Serapis and Cerberus Palm Stone （Lapis Lazuli） 4.5cm

Artifact Information

Original Archive (Figure 4) Current Institution: US-NY-MMA-GRA Accession Number: 10.130.1388

Obverse (Obv.): The obverse features the deities Serapis and Cerberus. In Hellenistic mysticism, Serapis is depicted as the god who holds "the memory of the cosmos," contrasting with the underworld's "river of forgetfulness" (Lethe), symbolizing the guardianship of eternal truth. Cerberus, the three-headed dog of Greek mythology, nurtured by Hades and guarding the entrance to the underworld, prevents the dead from escaping and the living from entering. Its image often carries multiple symbolic meanings. In epics like the Odyssey, heroes must pass Cerberus's test to enter the underworld, alluding to the boundary between "forgetfulness" and "memory."

Reverse (Rev.): Although the original stele inscription does not explicitly state its function, the opening three incantations can be traced to the "Memory Enhancement Papyrus" creation ritual described in Chapter 240 of Volume I of the Greek Magical Papyri. The core spell is presented with a progressive threefold power: "Noucha Noucha Linoucha." It's worth noting that such memory-enhancing amulets often had a symbiotic relationship with oracular divination systems—when priests cast divination lots towards a statue of Hermes, the practitioner wearing this amulet could precisely capture divine revelations through the resonance mechanism of the incantation.

Serapis statues are often displayed in conjunction with the image of Cerberus, reportedly to "activate the alchemical transformation of memory." This further confirms their deep connection in mystical traditions, safeguarding the immortality of the soul and linking memories of life and death.

The restoration of this piece presented considerable difficulty. The original artifact was severely damaged when excavated, with Cerberus's presence barely discernible. It was later restored by referencing other Serapis and Cerberus divine images. Lapis lazuli was chosen as the material to symbolize increased wisdom and concentration. We extend our gratitude to @+AvaKyros+ for the restoration; the deity on the obverse was entirely re-drawn and re-created by hand by them. Thank you!

(Note: All "ancient record" content is based on reasonable deductions from archaeological artifacts and historical documents. Modern science confirms that such amulets do not possess actual effects; their value primarily lies in the fields of art history, semiotics, and ancient cross-cultural exchange studies.)