#phalera

Buff-tip moth from Achnabreac near Lochgilphead yesterday.

A close look at some of the different scale/hair shapes contributing to its fancy get-up.

Two tailed Scylla flanked by a Triton and a tritoness. Silver-gilt phalera. 300 - 100 BCE. Private collection. A phalera is a type of medal, a metal disc, award to Roman soldiers.

A dog’s head emerges from Scylla’s skirt and her two tails curl up on either side of her. The Triton on the left holds what looks like a conch shell in one hand an an oar in the other, and the figure on the right has breasts, meaning she’s a water nymph or tritoness.

Scylla with two tails is also common on ancient Roman coins. Scylla and sirens aren't that common on medals, the only other one I've seen is this two tailed siren medal from the 1400s.

Side view:

1. Phalera bucephala - Buff tip moth

2. Uropyia meticulodina - Curled leaf moth

3. Homoeopteryx sumacensis - Leaf mimicking moth

~ Phalera with the Depiction of a Battle between an Amazon and Two Greeks.

Date: 4th century B.C.

Place of origin: Krasnodar Territory, Taman Peninsula, near the Cossack Village of Vyshesteblievskaya

Archaeological site: Great Bliznitsa barrow, stone crypt No.1

Roman Military 'LEG XXII PRIMI' Phalera, 1st-3rd Century AD

A domed discoid phalera with pelleted rim, central boss, inscription 'LEG XXII PRIMI' possibly added later; three attachment loops to the underside. 60mm (2 1/4".