A delicate example of an Ancient Egyptian frog amulet made from gold and finely modelled. The minute animal is rendered in a naturalistic manner, crouching on an oval base with minuscule indentations and protrusions imitating the frog’s anatomy. It rests on a flat base, which shows traces of incised hieroglyphs on the base. Although the hieroglyphs are rendered quite crudely, due to the size of the amulet, some symbols are readable. To the top of the cartouche, is the feather of Ma’at (𓆄). Underneath is ḥtp sign (𓊵), described as loaf on a reed mat or the basket sign and finely nb (𓎟) commonly used to identify a Lord or Lady.
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Date: 1070-900 BC Period: Late New Kingdom-Third Intermediate Period Provenance: From an early 20th century French collection. Condition: Good condition, some earthly encrustations to the surface and on the oval base.
The Ancient Egyptians wore amulets alongside other pieces of jewellery. 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. Due to its numerous offsprings, Egyptians associated the frog with fertility, rebirth and thus afterlife. Such amulets were mostly worn by women in the hope of a child and less painful childbearing. This is why frogs were also associated with the Creator God Khnum or with the Goddess of birth Heqat, always as a symbol of life creation and thus often found as votive offerings in several temples. When worn by men instead, they were seen as a protector for the afterlife.
To discover more about amulets in the Ancient Egyptian world, please visit our relevant post:Amulets in Ancient Egypt.
