Amulets were used in Ancient Egypt for decorative and protective purposes. They were often crafted in the form of deities, body parts, and animals to evoke the protection or attributes of the divine. The goddess, Nut, was the sky goddess of Ancient Egypt: she was depicted as a nude woman, covered in stars, who arched herself over the earth. It is thought that the goddess Nut was depicted as a sow on account of her role in the birth and death of the sun. Giving birth to both the sun and the stars during the day and night respectively, she consumes them up as they disappear from the heavens at dusk and dawn. This consumption of her offspring was likened to the female pig’s habit of consuming her own offspring.
To find out more about Ancient Egyptian amulets please see our relevant blog post: Egyptian Amulets and their Meanings: Ancient Egyptian Gods.
