#janiform

Ethiopian's head and female Greek head, with a kalos inscription. Attic janiform red-figure aryballos, ca. 520–510 BC. From Greece.

J. Paul Getty Museum

Janiform demon girl. The faces do not have separate consciousnesses, this is only one person, but they can be moved independently. All limbs and digits are double jointed, allowing them to face the "correct" direction respective to each face whenever desired.

This is a representation of the famous Egyptian goddess Auset (better known as Isis) that is inspired by assorted double-faced “janiform” vases from the ancient Mediterranean. On the left side would be the face of the goddess as a native Egyptian woman, whereas the face on the right is based on how the Romans would depict her once they adopted her cult as one of their own after annexing Egypt.

Attic janiform red-figure aryballos in the shape of women’s heads, bearing the inscription Epilykos kalos ( “Epilykos is handsome/beautiful”).  Tentatively attributed to the painter Skythes; ca. 510-500 BCE.  Now in the Louvre.  Photo credit:  © Marie-Lan Nguyen / Wikimedia Commons.

The Greek island of Tenedos produced coins with janiform heads similar to the obverse of this coin (example) for centuries, but it is the reverse side that is so unique and fascinating. The bearded triform head has three faces sharing two eyes. It may be a coincidence but it resembles images of the Hindu god Brahma, who has four heads, one facing each of the four cardinal directions. This is believed to be a symbol of his omniscience. There is not another known design like this in classical numismatics.

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