Amulet of Khnum
Culture
Ancient Egyptian
DateLate Period, about 664–332 BCE
Mediumfaience
Dimensions2.5 × 0.6 cm (1 × 1/4 in.)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Markingsnone visible
Credit LineMrs. Kingsmill Marrs Collection
Terms
Object number1925.649
DescriptionHawkheaded figure. Green glaze. Pierced.Label TextMany deities in ancient Egypt were depicted as miniature, animal-headed humans. Amulets featuring deities were worn as pendants or placed on the body of the deceased. Each deity was associated with specific magical powers that would have provided protection to the wearer. Popular examples include the ram-headed creator god Khnum and the falcon-headed deity Horus. Other gods and goddesses, such as the goddess Isis nursing her son Horus, were commonly shown in human form. In some instances, one animal species represented more than one deity — for example, a feline-headed woman could represent Sekhmet, Bastet, or Tefnut.ProvenanceFormerly of Mrs. Kingsmill Marrs Collection; bequeathed by Mrs. Kingsmill Marrs to the Worcester Art Museum, 1925–1926.
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