Egyptian Faience Amulet of Thoth as Ibis

£ 200.00

A blue glazed faience amulet of the god, Thoth, in ibis form. He is depicted in a squatting position, with his beak supported by the feather of Ma’at. The faience displays colours of varying shades and depth, with the tail feathers, for instance, boasting deep colour. The amulet has a flat, rectangular base, and the curved neck of the ibis acts as a suspension loop .

Date: Circa 7th - 1st Century BC
Period: Late Period - Ptolemaic Period
Condition: Very fine condition

SOLD

SKU: AH-762 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.

The god Thoth is known as the keeper and recorder of all knowledge, and as the inventor of language. Ma’at, his wife, is the Egyptian concept of truth, balance, order, law, morality, and justice. Thoth is often depicted as a man with the head of a baboon or ibis, as these animals were scared to him. He is usually shown as an ape in underworld settings, whereas he features in paintings and carvings predominantly as an ibis.

To find out more about Ancient Egyptian amulets please see our relevant blog post: Egyptian Amulets and their Meanings: Ancient Egyptian Gods.

Weight 0.3 g
Dimensions L 1.1 x H 0.8 cm
Country

Culture

Egyptian Mythology

Faience

Region

Reference: For similar: The Art Institute, Chicago, item 1894.843