Shaped as a triangle, on one side the pendant features the figure of a rider whose head is surrounded with a halo riding a horse. The rider is depicted in the act of throwing a sphere at a female figure on the ground, surrounded by the inscription in Greek reading “The One God who Conquers Evil.” Under the horse, the Greek letters I A W Θ appear, the equivalent of Jewish divine name of Y-H-W-H. The opposite side of the object presents an eye pierced by arrows and surrounded by dangerous animals – two lions, a snake, a scorpion and a bird – as well as another Greek inscription reading “One God.”This is a remarkable artifact. See the article for a photo.
The IAA seem fully confident of the amulet's authenticity. Like many of our ancient amulets, this one was not found in a controlled excavation. There is a family tradition of its discovery forty years ago, but few details have been released. Perhaps predictably, I would like to see more information about the discovery and the authentication.
I have not seen the original press release. The only other coverage of the story I have seen so far is by the Jewish Press: 40 Years after Discovery, IAA Receives Ancient Amulet Bearing the Sacred Tetragrammaton. It has additional details and better photographs.
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