Maria patrikia (sixth/seventh century)
Obverse
Bust of the Virgin with the medallion of Christ between two short crosses. Wreath border.
Reverse
Cruciform monogram. Indeterminate border.
α - ι - κ - μ - π - ρ - σ - τ
Μαρίας πατρικίας
Accession number | BZS.1951.31.5.2996 |
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Diameter | 23.0 mm; field: 20.0 mm |
Credit Line | Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore. |
Translation
Μαρίας πατρικίας.
(Seal of) Maria patrikia.
Commentary
The resolution of this monogram as a female patrikia as such is made clear by the lack of any masculine genitive endings present within the seal; while Μάρκος, Μαρινός, and Μαριανός πατρικίος (Mark, Marinos, and Marianos patrikios) would be possible in the nominative, this case would be a great surprise to see--significantly more than the common feminine name title combination of Maria patrikia.