Due to its numerous offspring, Egyptians associated the frog to fertility, rebirth and thus, afterlife. Such amulets were worn by women in the hope for a new-born and for a less painful childbearing. When worn by men, they were seen as a symbol of protection for the afterlife.
The hieroglyphs including on the reverse of the amulet combine to form part of the Nomen of Amenhotep. Whilst the rest of the titular is missing, we can assume that the amulet is dedicated to Amenhotep III, also known as Amenhotep the Magnificent. Amenhotep III was the 9th pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty, ruling Ancient Egypt for a period of great prosperity. He was the son of Thutmose IV and went on to father a number of children himself, including Akhenaten, the father of Tutankhamun. It is documented that Amenhotep III reigned for a period of 38/39 years and his reign marks the pinnacle of Egypt’s power, internationally and artistically. An unprecedented number of statues survive from his reign, documenting his life through sculpture. Egypt maintained a relatively peaceful period during Amenhotep III’s reign, with only one campaign recorded in Nubia. The name Amenhotep translates as ‘Amun is satisfied’.
To find out more about Ancient Egyptian amulets please see our relevant blog post: Egyptian Amulets and their Meanings.
