This carved stone artifact, measuring 5 cm in height and 2.5 cm at its widest point (about 1.97x0.98 inches), dates to the Byzantine period, a historical era from 330 to 1453 AD. The Byzantine Empire was renowned for its religious and cultural artifacts, and this piece appears to be a talisman or amulet, with inscriptions that may have been believed to offer protection or blessings.

Provenance: The amulet was part of a private collection in Istanbul, acquired in the early 20th century, and has since been in the possession of E.H., a collector from Vienna, Austria, since 1972.

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