Intaglio engraved with a picture of a dancing satyr

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An intaglio is a semi-precious stone or glass engraved with a design so that the impression would display in relief. This sardonyx example was found at Monquhitter in Aberdeenshire in a hoard of over 63 objects, most probably amulets.

The intaglio is engraved with a picture of a dancing satyr. It has a panther skin over the right arm, and holds a staff with a conical head and two streamers in the left. The object is Roman in origin, perhaps originally for a finger ring.

Although the Roman occupation in Scotland was strictly military, it did result in a number of fine objects being imported. These spread by various means to the population around the camps, and from there were sometimes widely traded or given as gifts.

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• Online ID: 000-100-035-855-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.EQ 329
• Date: Between 100 and 300 AD
  
• Material: Sardonyx
  Intaglio
  
• Dimensions: 1.31" x 1.19"
  
• What: Intaglio
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Aberdeenshire, Monquhitter, Cairnhill
  
• Event:
• Description: Intaglio in sardonyx of a dancing faun, from Monquhitter
  
• References:
  • Anderson, Joseph. Notices of cists discovered in a cairn at Cairnhill, Parish of Monquhitter, Aberdeenshire, and at Doune, Perthshire. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 36 (1901-2). 
  • Johns, Catherine. The jewellery of Roman Britain. Celtic and Classical traditions. London: UCL Press Ltd., 1996, p. 75 ff. 
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