From Monquhitter, Aberdeenshire

Intaglio engraved with a picture of a dancing satyr

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.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-100-035-855-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: 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
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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