Roman – 1st Century BC – 1st Century AD

Orange Carnelian

17mm

An oval intaglio depicting a fly, an elephant, a mouse, a locust, and an ear of wheat. These are all symbols relating to life and immortality. Elephants were a symbol of eternity because they lived long lives. As a burrowing animal, the mouse was thought to connect the physical world to the world beyond. The locust represented resurrection and immortality, while the ear of wheat represented rebirth.