Ancient Egyptian Faience Scaraboid Dedicated to Khonsu

£ 300.00

An Egyptian light blue-toned faience scaraboid, dedicated to the Egyptian god, Khonsu. It features a plain obverse and decorated reverse. The amulet features four distinct and clearly inscribed hieroglyphs. To the left is the ‘swt’ plant frond, a striated circle ‘kh’ and water ripple ‘n’ sign to the centre, and a ‘hes’ libation vessel to the right. This last sign translates as praise. Combined, these signs sound ‘Hs knsw’, which translates to: ‘Praise be to Khonsu’.

Date: Circa 664-552 BC
Period: Late Period
Provenance: Ex private UK collection, Cambridge, Mr. S. collection.
Condition: Very fine condition. Clearly defined hieroglyphs.

SOLD

SKU: HD-40 Category: Tags: , ,

For the Ancient Egyptians, amulets were not only decorative but also utilitarian as an apotropaic force. Many amulets have been found inside the wrapping of mummies to ensure a safe journey into the afterlife, but amulets were also used by the living for protection or in order to have their wishes granted. Amulets had different meanings depending on their type or form, and small amulets depicting the gods, whether in a human or animal form, were thought to induce protective powers over the wearer.

Khonsu was the Egyptian god of the moon, worshipped extensively in Thebes. Together with his mother, Mut, and father, Amun, he formed part of the Theban triad. He was a god associated with travel and the passing of time. Khonsu was also thought to play a vital role in the creation of life.

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

Weight 0.65 g
Dimensions L 1.1 x W 0.9 cm
Culture

Region

Faience

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Reference: For a similar item, The British Museum, Item EA66440

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