Greetings, I am trying to locate the so called Ophite amulet for potential first hand examination but have been unable to do so. If you happen to have any information regarding its whereabouts, I would be very glad to hear from you.
Here's what I've been able to gather so far. It was published by Campbell Bonner (Hesperia Supplements vol. 8 Commemorative Studies in Honor of Theodore Leslie Shear [1949] pp. 43-46 plate 8 n. 1; Studies in Magical Amulets [University of Michigan, 1950], pp.135-139 and D. 188). The photos Bonner published were of casts of the gem, not the gem itself, and presumably these casts are still at the Univesity of Michigan. The amulet belonged to Joseph Brummer, who died in 1947. There is a three volume Parke-Bernet Gallery catolog of his estate as it was offered for sale in 1949. I am guessing that the amulet would have been part of this sale, though I have not yet been able to get ahold of a copy of the catalog to confirm. Whether it was in fact sold at this time I do not know. Some of Joseph Brummer's collection (which did not sell) passed to his brother Ernest (died 1964), and then to Ernest's widow. And some of this made its way to Duke University in 1966. If the amulet didn't sell in 1949, it could have been sold at any time thereafter. Maybe it's at Duke. I don't know. (Information from this and the preceding paragraph from Caroline Bruzelius with Jill Meredeth, The Brummer Collection of Medieval Art [Duke University, 1991], 6-8.) As far as it's appearance, I attach rough images from Bonner's publication of the casts. In case the attachments don't come across, here is Bonner's written description (transliterating where necessary): "Obv. Lion-headed god standing to l., r. hand holding tall staff, l., situla. Nude except for apron. At l., reading down, Aariel; at r., Ialdabaoth. Rev. In eight lines, Ia Iao Sabaoth Adonai Eloai Oreos Astafeos . . . . Green jasper, clouded with dark red. Upright oval, 27 x 20 x 5" (Studies in Magical Amulets, 284.) Please let me know if you have any information on the amulet's current location, etc. Even names of persons who might be of help would be appreciated. (So far I've contacted or attempted to contact: Sebastian Encina, Gideon Bohak, Robin Meador-Woodruff, Simone Michel, and Caroline Bruzelius.) Sincerely, Grant Adamson [EMAIL PROTECTED]
