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Roman intaglio (combination)
Complete setting with a complex combination (or Gryllus) comprising three elements - a bald and bearded head of Silenus faces to our right, his beard forming the hair of a youthful face, possibly of Dionysos, looking downwards. Both of these faces contribute to the overall outline of an eagle's head facing to our left. There is moderate wear to the edges and face.
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.
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Site Name: Caerleon Fortress Baths, Caerleon
Notes: from the site of the frigidarium at the baths
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