PREVIOUS    7 of 20     NEXT
Unknown (Egyptian)
Amulet
date unknown
faience
1 3/8 x 1/4 in. (3.5 x 0.6 cm)
Gift of Horace Mayer
61.19.1.G
 
bACKGROUND INFORMATION

Amulet

Amulets were personal adornments worn by the living and placed on mummy wrappings to provide protection and aid on the journey from death to the afterlife. The color, shape, and other qualities of the materials were believed to endow the amulet and its wearer with special powers and protections. This amulet, usually worn by women and children as protection, bears an image of Bes on one side and a wejdat eye on reverse. Bes was a popular household god associated with childbirth who watched over women and children. The wedjet eye, also known as the eye of Horus, was believed to provide strength, protection, and good health.

Bes was usually portrayed as a short, stocky, leonine figure with a large head featuring a mask-like and beared face with staring eyes and a protruding tongue.

Read More

RELATED IMAGES

15 LAWRENCE HALL DRIVE, STE 2, WILLIAMSTOWN, MA 01267
T: (413) 597-2429 F: (413) 458-9017
Copyright © 2011, All Rights Reserved.