The Apis Bull was the most important bull deity in Ancient Egypt: he was one of the first gods of Egypt, and originally associated with fertility. At one point, however, the Apis Bull was considered to be the son of Hathor, and so also shared in her attributes. The Apis Bull featured in many rituals, which sought to maximise the fertilisation of the land. These involved the selection of a living bull bearing a resemblance to the Apis Bull, which was then worshipped for much of its life. It was kept alive for up to 25 years (although it often died naturally before this time) and was then ceremonially killed. Another ‘Apis Bull’ was then selected, and thus the ritual symbolised the cycle of rebirth: death was not considered to be the end of life, but merely a transition to the realm of Osiris.
The colour of amulets was important and carefully chosen. The majority of ox amulets are red, created in red jasper or other red semi-precious stones. Red was used frequently in Egyptian art. It was used to express the virility and lifeline of men and to symbolise rebirth, associated with Isis. Carnelian especially was held in high regard by the ancient Egyptians as a protective or healing stone, and appeared in ancient artefacts to signify Ra (the sun), Isis (the goddess of the afterlife, mother to Horus), and such other powers or forces.
