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Amulet of Amen

Egyptian
Third Intermediate –Hellenistic Period (Ptolemaic Dynasty)
1070–30 B.C.

Medium/Technique Faience
Dimensions Height: 3.5 cm (1 3/8 in.)
Credit Line Hay Collection—Gift of C. Granville Way
Accession Number72.1927
NOT ON VIEW
ClassificationsJewelry / AdornmentAmulets

DescriptionThis well-made, light blue glazed amulet represents Amen, the god of Thebes who became Egypt's supreme deity. He is shown as a standing human male, wearing a kilt and a tall, feathered headdress. There is a hole at the back for stringing. The amulet was broken at neck and mended. Such amulets were believed to offer the wearer some of the benefits of Amen's power.
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.
(Accession Date: June 28, 1872)