Roman Gilded Silver Lamella w/ Magical Incantation

Roman, Imperial Period, probably from Antioch, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A beautifully preserved example of a gilded silver lamella, a plaque bearing a magical incantation or spell. It bears the design of a nicely rendered aediculum with fluted columns on either side bridged by a triangular pediment on top - the pediment contains a horizontal object on two feet that may represent the thorax of a cicada (tettinx, tettinges) as the song of the cicadas was admired in antiquity - surrounding a seven-line inscription of a magical incantation that may relate to the cicada. An outstanding gilded silver lamella, carefully inscribed with an incantation designed to ward off evil. Size of sheet: 1.45" W x 1.8" H (3.7 cm x 4.6 cm); size of frame: 4.25" W x 4.9" H (10.8 cm x 12.4 cm); silver quality: 97%; gold gilt quality: 2%

See another lamella orphica in the collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum (75.AM.19), though without the architectural columns and pediment that this example presents. About such plaques, the Getty curatorial staff writes, "Faced with the thought of a bleak existence in the Underworld, some individuals in the ancient Mediterranean sought to improve their lot while they were alive. Virtuous behavior might not be sufficient, and one way to obtain a happier afterlife was thought to be through initiation into mystery cults associated with Orpheus and Dionysos. Self-styled preachers offered followers transformative experiences that mainstream practice could not provide. Their rites were shrouded in secrecy and remain little understood today, but one of the most intriguing sources of information are the so-called Orphic tablets, such as this one. Named by modern scholars after the mythical poet Orpheus, these are inscriptions written on thin sheets of gold. They were deposited in graves, and usually bear a short text proclaiming the deceased’s special status and providing guidance for his or her journey into the Underworld."

This piece comes with a professional transliteration of the inscription. While the letters are real, they are arranged in a combination that is nonsensical as was customary for such magical incantations.

Provenance: private East Coast collection, New York, USA; ex-East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#155531
Condition Report: Slight bending to edges. Otherwise in excellent condition with light deposits in the lower profile areas. Very legible.