Advanced Search 
Amulet of a baboon
Egyptian
Medium/Technique
Faience
Dimensions
Length: 2.2 cm (7/8 in.)
Credit Line
Hay Collection—Gift of C. Granville Way
Accession Number72.2621
NOT ON VIEW
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Amulets
DescriptionThis bright blue faience amulet represents a baboon. Amulets of squatting baboons were associated with Thoth, the patron deity of scribes. Baboons were also associated with the sun and moon. The back of this amulet is flat and bears a hieroglyphic inscription.
ProvenanceBy 1836: Robert Hay Collection, Linplum, Scotland; 1863: to his son, Robert James Alexander Hay; 1868-1872: Way Collection, Boston (purchased by Samuel A. Way through London dealers Rollin and Feuardent, 27 Haymarket); 1872: given to the MFA by Samuel's son, C. Granville Way.