Reed, Ren2023-10-162023-10-162023-03-21https://hdl.handle.net/1794/28980Submitted to the Undergraduate Library Research Award scholarship competition: (2023). 17 p.This case study examines a cameo ring featuring Hermaphroditus. The use of this cameo has been theorized by The Getty as amulatory or related to Hermaphroditus cult. However, the common uses of similar rings, subject matter, and an analysis of Hermaphroditus within the historical record indicate that this cameo ring’s primary use was romantic in nature. References to Hermaphroditus worship associate them with union, marriage, and fecundity. The historical record is supplemented by rituals involving gender nonconformity and dual worship of Hermes and Aphrodite in Argos– one of two mother cities to Helicarnassus, a location to which Hermaphroditus has strong ties. The practice of these rituals does not necessarily indicate that the cameo has cult significance. Rather, this image of Hermaphroditus exists within a religious context akin to portrayals of Apollo or Aphrodite, and resembles their presence on cameos. These deities were considered particularly fitting for cameo rings primarily used as love gifts. In this context, these rings signified commitment and reciprocity. Hermaphroditus’ associations with marriage and harmony make them a subject matter consistent with the intent of similar pieces.enCreative Commons BY-NC-ND 4.0-USHermaphroditus cultHelicarnassusGreek mythologyOther