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Ring with an image of Saint Thekla
Egyptian
Byzantine Period
A.D. 550–700
Findspot: Egypt, Naga el-Deir
Medium/Technique
Brass
Dimensions
Other: Dia. 2.3 cm (7/8 in.); Other:Dia of Bezel 1.5 cm (9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Source unidentified
Accession Number2021.560
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Rings
DescriptionRing with round bezel with intaglio design of Saint Thekla. Her arms are raised in prayer, and two lions flank her. Greek retrograde letters surround her. The loop is polygonal externally with seven sides of differing length, the bezel itself making an eighth.
Inscribed "Moni phronou"(?) "(Lord,) look after the monastery."(?)
Inscribed rings during this period either carried (1) scenes from scripture, (2) images associated with pilgrimage (like the raising of Lazarus) and found on other objects obtained while on pilgrimage (like eulogia tokens), (3) a monogram, (4) a benediction, or (5) an apotropaic image or "magical" invocation.
This particualr ring was recovered from the Hearst-Reisner excavations in the early 1900s (possibly at Naga ed-Deir or the Fayoum, Egypt). The inscription on the ring is unique in that it seems to be invoking Thekla's protection over a particular monastery (although the identification of the figure as Thekla specifically is still unclear). If so, it is possible that this object was once owned and worn by a monk or a nun, with the invocation of protection aimed at the monastic community he or she was a part of. As the cult of St. Thecla was centered around Alexandria and the Fayoum, possibly this came from a monastery in that area.
Inscribed "Moni phronou"(?) "(Lord,) look after the monastery."(?)
Inscribed rings during this period either carried (1) scenes from scripture, (2) images associated with pilgrimage (like the raising of Lazarus) and found on other objects obtained while on pilgrimage (like eulogia tokens), (3) a monogram, (4) a benediction, or (5) an apotropaic image or "magical" invocation.
This particualr ring was recovered from the Hearst-Reisner excavations in the early 1900s (possibly at Naga ed-Deir or the Fayoum, Egypt). The inscription on the ring is unique in that it seems to be invoking Thekla's protection over a particular monastery (although the identification of the figure as Thekla specifically is still unclear). If so, it is possible that this object was once owned and worn by a monk or a nun, with the invocation of protection aimed at the monastic community he or she was a part of. As the cult of St. Thecla was centered around Alexandria and the Fayoum, possibly this came from a monastery in that area.
Provenance2021, accessioned by the MFA. (Accession Date: November 16, 2021)