Egyptian Amulet of a Cobra in Lapis Lazuli

£ 750.00

A detailed Egyptian amulet made of vivid lapis lazuli, of a rearing cobra, evident by its dilated hood. The undulating snake sits on a rectangular base and has a loop for suspension to the top. Detailing has been added through the use of incised patterning, especially to the snake’s hood.

Date: Circa 664 – 30 BC
Period: Late Period – Ptolemaic Period
Provenance: Property of a South West London gentleman; acquired by his father in the 1970s; by descent 1986.
Condition: Excellent. Some natural encrustation.

SOLD

SKU: AH-687 Category: Tags: ,

The cobra was associated with the Lower Egyptian goddess, Wadjyt. An important deity, she was associated with royalty and kingship. The rearing cobra, with its hood extended, was known as the Uraeus and was worn by the pharaoh, often together with the vulture goddess Nehkbet. The two goddess were so deeply imbedded in the concept of divinity, that the pharaoh’s second name was known as the Two Ladies, to represent the two goddesses.

The cobra amulet is listed as one of the definitive amulets to be included in the burial process. Usually more than one was placed with the deceased and was meant to provide the same protection reserved for royalty. The coiled form seen here was popular from the 26th Dynasty and appeared in a multitude of materials from the Late Period, including gold, lapis lazuli and faience.

Weight 1.6 g
Dimensions L 1.3 x H 1.7 cm
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Culture

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Semi-Precious Stones