Object numberOM-7415
Description"The intaglio . . . is a carnelian with agate banding, conical in form and evidently intended to stand proud of the surface of the ring in which it was set, (for the shape see Henig 1978, 35, fig 1 shape as F3 but edges of upper surface slightly curved). There is some surface wear and the impression is described in accord with the usual practice.
"An eagle stands with its body three-quarters towards the left and looks back to the right. The wings are partly displayed and there is no sign of the usual wreath in the beak or on the ground line. The image is nevertheless an attractive one with the texture of the bird's plumage suggested by groups of parallel wheel grooves. The style of cutting is that of the small-grooves style portrayed in Masskant-Kleibrink (1978, 251-84) where no 798 is an agate cone with a fish engraved on the upper surface and No 795, a carnelian with a much broader surface, displays an eagle as here. Both reveal a comparable delight in texture, executed with short strokes of the lap-wheel.
"Eagles are shown on a number of gems from Britain including a yellow jasper one from Bath, probably late first century in date (Henig 1978, 269, pl 21, 689), and another on onyx from London set in a second century ring (ibid 314, pl 31, App 188).From Scotland is noted a nicolo paste from Newstead showing two eagles and a legionary standard (Elliot & Henig 1982, 297, 12). The intaglio is the most northerly yet found in the British Isles. As it can be dated in all probability to the middle of the second century it could have reached Howe, perhaps on the finger of a merchant from the south at a time of considerable roman activity in Scotland or, like the glass gem from Cairnhill, Abedeenshire (Henig 1978, 208, 178; Stevenson 1967, 143-5, pl 25, 2a, 9), it might have been valued by its native owner as a charm and have been lost a long time after its date of manufacture. (Henig, 1994)
While it is possible that the intaglio served as a charm, as Henig suggests, it may also have been valued for itself, or as a rare object without the power of a charm.
(Red oval and banded carnelian, translucant. Base is flat and well polished. In section appears as a flat dome. Sides are well polished but the upper surface is slightly abraided. Has an eagle engraved into the supper surface.)
Production periodLate Iron Age
Collection PlaceHowe of Howe, Stromness
Object nameintaglio, carnelian
Object categoryartefact, gemstone
Materialcarnelian
Techniqueengraved image