Details

COLEM:2000.41.41.1

Colchester Collections

Roman nicolo intaglio (type F.4) depicting a fly. The insect is represented very naturalistically and may be identified as a horsefly. The device was the first known example from Britain and there are no good parallels published from Gaul. The reason this device was chosen is unknown but it is possible that the wearer had the name (cognomen) Musca, meaning ‘fly’. Found at Head Street, Colchester. Early first century AD. Intaglios are engraved gems that were used as a form of personal signature, similar to the modern-day signet ring. In the Roman period, intaglios were mounted as the bezel on finger rings, and were carved from coloured precious stones such as chalcedony, carnelian, onyx and jasper. They were used across the Roman Empire to stamp the wax seals of e.g. letters and legal documents, so that the recipient would know the seal had not been broken and the contents interfered with. As well as practical devices they were also a sign of status and identity for their wearer. Intaglios were used by both men and women and those in Colchester Museums’ collection depict various Roman gods, goddesses and mythical figures. The designs were highly personal to the owner and often related to their personal life or profession.

0000 - 0050

Roman