Egyptian Stone Ptaichos Amulet

$758.23

A carved pendant of the god Ptaichos standing nude on a gussetted square base, with his hands clasped on his stomach. There is a suspension loop to the rear of the neck.

Date: 332-30 BC
Period: Ptolemaic Period
Provenance: Property of a London gentleman; acquired before 1980.
Condition: Excellent

SOLD

SKU: FP - 19143 Category: Tag:

Ptaichos was one of the forms of god Ptah, sometimes called Ptah Embryon or Ptah Seker. He was a protector of artisans and artists: indeed, in Old Kingdom scenes depicting daily life, dwarfs were always present among the workers in precious metal workshops. The finest images of Ptaichos date to the Third Intermediate period, and later Ptaichos figures often held snakes, which made them harmless to people, especially vulnerable children. Ptaichos was very popular from the New Kingdom onwards, providing protection from creatures like snakes and crocodiles. His head was abnormally large, like the head of a baby, and completely shaven, aside from the lock of childhood.

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

Weight 10.4 g
Dimensions L 4.1 x W 2 cm
Stone

Country

Region

Culture

Egyptian Mythology

Reference: For a similar item, The Metropolitan Museum, accession number 1894.1950.

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