E03081: Clay stamp for making eulogiae with a Greek inscription referring to *Mary (Mother of Christ, S00033), and probably the Archangels *Michael (S00181) and *Gabriel (S00192). Found at Tel Mefalsim/Khirbet Deir Dusawi near Gaza (Roman province of Palaestina I). Probably 6th c.

Round clay stamp, broken and lost in the lower right-hand quarter. Diameter 0.1 m. Found in the 1960s by a member of Kibbutz Mefalsim at Tel Mefalsim/Khirbet Deir Dusawi, c. 9 km to the east of Gaza. Now in the Israel Museum, Jerusalem.

The stamp is made of greenish-yellow clay. The back is fitted with a handle. The central field on the front side is occupied by an image of the enthroned Virgin Mary, with her feet on a foot-stool, holding the Child Christ on her laps. Mary's head is flanked by two stars. Jesus is holding a book in the form of a codex, probably a Gospel, in his left hand and is performing a benediction with his right hand. To the left and to the right of Mary's throne one can see two male figures: certainly an (arch)angel, and a male saint or an (arch)angel whose wings are worn and not visible, both carrying scepters. Rahmani identified them as the Archangels *Michael and *Gabriel. Ameling is less certain about their identity.

An inscription runs around the edge of the stamp (in mirror writing):

εὐλογία τῆς δεσποίν[ης ἡμῶν Θεοτό]κου Μαρίας

'Blessing (eulogia) of (our) Lady, the God-Bearer (Theotokos), Mary.'

Text: CIIP 3, no. 2526.