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Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales
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Roman intaglio (symbols)
Depicts a cornucopiae to the right with a globe beneath, a tall basket to the left, all disposed about a centrally-placed poppy-head. On the basket is a parrot, with another bird (possibly another parrot or a raven) on the cornucopiae. Both birds face the centre. The rear of the stone is coloured with rust, probably from an iron ring, and is chipped on the right side. The centre of the convex face is worn.
This is one of 88 engraved gemstones retrieved in 1979, mostly from the filling of a large drain beneath the cold hall of the fortress baths. The gemstones would originally have been set in finger-rings, and served as signets and charms or talismans for their owners. They were products of extremely skilled craftsman who worked on a minute scale without the aid of magnification. The gems are engraved with a wide range of deities, personification and symbols.