Unknown Artist
The dot-in-circle motif recalls designs presumed to be of magical significance, most likely an abstract eye to ward off the evil-eye, which serves an apotropaic function. Easily reproduced with a tool and visible in many cultures and times, this symbol may have lost its meaning, and become simply a decorative pattern, or may have one that we have not yet discovered.
Credit: Rogers Fund, 1938
9th-10th century
Bone; incised and inlaid with paint
0.8 cm
38.40.68
Image and text © Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2019
Permanent collection