Egyptian Bastet Faience Amulet

£ 400.00

An Egyptian plaque amulet of the lion-headed goddess, most likely representing Bastet made of rich blue faience. The goddess is portrayed standing side-on, with arms extended as though holding something. She grasps before her a long instrument, possibly a sistrum or wadj-scepter. The reverse is undecorated and does not feature a suspension loop.

Date: Circa 664 - 30 BC
Period: Late Period - Ptolemaic Period
Condition: Fine. Some encrustation.

SOLD

SKU: AH-772 Category: Tags: , ,

The Egyptians wore amulets alongside other pieces of jewellery. They were decorative, but also served a practical purpose, being considered to bestow power and protection upon the wearer. Many of the amulets have been found inside the wrappings of mummies, as they were used to prepare the deceased for the afterlife.

Amulets held different meanings, depending on their type or form. Small amulets depicting gods and goddesses seem to have induced the protective powers of the deity. There were a number of lion goddesses in Ancient Egyptian religion, but only Bastet could transform into the cat. She often retained the lion-head when represented as a woman, which can cause her to be confused with the lion-headed goddess, Sekhmet. As an amulet, it would have been worn to show particular devotion to the goddess, and to place the wearer under her protection.

To find out more about the use of faience in Ancient Egyptian culture please see our relevant blog post: What is Egyptian Faience?

Weight 0.8 g
Dimensions L 2.4 x W 0.9 cm
Culture

Faience

Region

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