Anonymous (eleventh/twelfth century)
Obverse
A Latin cross. Letters in the four quarters: νκ|φ̣ρ : ν(ι)κ(η)φ(ό)ρ(ος) (likely an epithet of the Cross, "bringer of victory," rather than the owner's name). Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of five lines. Border of dots.
ροσ
σραγισ
μουκαιφυ
λακηκαι̣
σκεπη
στ(αυ)ρὸς σφραγὶς μου καὶ φυλακὴ καὶ σκέπη
Obverse
A Latin cross. Letters in the four quarters: νκ|φ̣ρ : ν(ι)κ(η)φ(ό)ρ(ος) (likely an epithet of the Cross, "bringer of victory," rather than the owner's name). Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of five lines. Border of dots.
ροσ
σραγισ
μουκαιφυ
λακηκαι̣
σκεπη
στ(αυ)ρὸς σφραγὶς μου καὶ φυλακὴ καὶ σκέπη
| Accession number | BZS.1958.106.1214 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 23.0 mm |
| Previous Editions | Cf. Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden II, no. 2266b. |
| Credit Line | Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore. |
Translation
σταυρὸς σφραγὶς μου καὶ φυλακὴ καὶ σκέπη.
The Cross is my seal, my protection and my shelter.
Bibliography
- Corpus der byzantinischen Siegel mit metrischen Legenden, Vol. 2, Siegellegenden von Ny bis inklusive Sphragis (Open in Zotero)
Commentary
Wassiliou-Seibt took the letters in the lower quarters of the obverse to be Φ and Ρ (which we follow); but the poor state of preservation does not allow for a conclusive reading. Cf. the related specimens BZS.1951.31.5.367 and 1958.106.2835, on which the letters form an epithet for the Cross.