A roman carnelian intaglio. Ibis playing the buccina.
2nd - 3rd century A.D.
10 x 12 x 3 mm

The bird is playing the buccina, metallic instrument used by roman legions for various signals. The ibis with long beak, blows inside the instrument and holds it with his right leg and by the shoulder belt. This rare representation can be related to a military emblema (cfr. the stork was the third italic legion emblema). Chip on the edge.