Egyptian Faience Amulet of Thoth as an Ibis

£ 300.00

An Egyptian dark turquoise glazed faience amulet of the god Thoth, in his sacred ibis form. The deity is depicted in a squatting position on a rectangular plinth, with his beak supported by the feather of Ma’at.

Date: Circa 664 - 30 Century BC
Period: Late Period - Ptolemaic Period
Condition: Very fine condition, with some earthly deposits to the surface.

SOLD

Product Code: ES-114
Category: Tags: ,

Amulets were decorative, but also served a practical purpose, being considered to bestow power and protection upon the wearer. Many amulets have been found inside the wrappings of mummies, as they were used to prepare the deceased for the afterlife. The god Thoth is known as the keeper and recorder of all knowledge, and as the inventor of language. Ma’at, his wife, is the Egyptian concept of truth, balance, order, law, morality, and justice. Thoth is often depicted as a man with the head of a baboon or ibis, as these animals were scared to him. He is usually shown as an ape in underworld settings, whereas he features in paintings and carvings predominantly as an ibis.

To discover more about amulets in the Ancient Egyptian world, please visit our relevant post:Amulets in Ancient Egypt.

Dimensions L 1.8 cm
Faience

Blue Faience

Egyptian Mythology

Thoth

Region

North Africa

Reference: For similar item, The Art Institute, Chicago, item number 1894.843.

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