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Fire Altar Intaglio

c. 400 CE
(303–309)
chalcedony
Overall: 2.4 x 2 x 1.7 cm (15/16 x 13/16 x 11/16 in.)
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1954.593
Location: 102A Ancient Near East
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Seal stones served as signatures and seals for documents.

Description

A Zoroastrian fire altar is carved into this chalcedony intaglio, consisting of a pedestal, pillar, and bowl for an eternal flame. A bird perches above the altar bowl and fish flank the pedestal. A carved star decorates the backside. A pierced hole through the gemstone suggests it once hung on a cord around a neck or wrist. Although the fire altar is a Zoroastrian religious symbol, birds and fish also occur in Christian iconography.
Fire Altar Intaglio

Fire Altar Intaglio

c. 400 CE

Iran, Sasanian Empire (224–651 CE), reign of Hormizd II (303–309)

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