Michael Dermokaites (eleventh/twelfth century)
Obverse
St. Michael standing, wings outspread, holding the sceptre in his right hand. Details on the other side obscure. Epigraphy visible at left: Μ|ι : Μι[χα(ήλ)]. Within concentric circles of dots, an inscription (beginning with a cross which is not preserved) starting at twelve o'clock:
.τερυιταισσαισσομνυμονσκεπε̣
[π]τέρυξι ταῖς σαῖς ὡς ὁμώνυμον σκέπε
Reverse
St. Demetrios standing, holding a spear and shield. Epigraphy on either side: ||ημ|η|τρ|ι : ὁ ἅ(γιος) Δημήτριο(ς). Within concentric circles of dots, an inscription beginning with a cross at twelve o'clock:
φυ̣λ̣αμιχαηλερμοκαιτουπελ
φύλαξ Μιχαὴλ Δερμοκαΐτου πέλω
Obverse
St. Michael standing, wings outspread, holding the sceptre in his right hand. Details on the other side obscure. Epigraphy visible at left: Μ|ι : Μι[χα(ήλ)]. Within concentric circles of dots, an inscription (beginning with a cross which is not preserved) starting at twelve o'clock:
.τερυιταισσαισσομνυμονσκεπε̣
[π]τέρυξι ταῖς σαῖς ὡς ὁμώνυμον σκέπε
Reverse
St. Demetrios standing, holding a spear and shield. Epigraphy on either side: ||ημ|η|τρ|ι : ὁ ἅ(γιος) Δημήτριο(ς). Within concentric circles of dots, an inscription beginning with a cross at twelve o'clock:
φυ̣λ̣αμιχαηλερμοκαιτουπελ
φύλαξ Μιχαὴλ Δερμοκαΐτου πέλω
| Accession number | BZS.1958.106.4828 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 28.0 mm |
| Previous Editions | Cf. Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden II, no. 1883. |
Translation
πτέρυξι ταῖς σαῖς ὡς ὁμώνυμον σκέπε. φύλαξ Μιχαἠλ Δερμοκαΐτου πέλω.
Beneath your wings shelter me as your namesake. I am the protector of Michael Dermokaites.
Bibliography
- Corpus der byzantinischen Siegel mit metrischen Legenden, Vol. 2, Siegellegenden von Ny bis inklusive Sphragis (Open in Zotero)
Commentary
An interesting combination of iconography and inscriptions. On the obverse, the owner appeals to the archangel Michael as his namesake; on the reverse, the saint portrayed is the one speaking, declaring his role as protector.