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Amulet of Harpokrates
Egyptian
Third Intermediate Period–Late Period, Dynasty 21–30
1070–332 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Faience
Dimensions
Overall: 2.2 cm (7/8 in.)
Credit Line
Hay Collection—Gift of C. Granville Way
Accession Number72.1957
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Amulets
DescriptionThis amulet of a squatting figure of Harpokrates (Horus the child) with his finger to his mouth has a loop at the back of the neck for suspension. A Bes head appears in relief on the back. It has a slight black glaze.
Harpocrates (Horus-the-child) was the infant son of Osiris and Isis, often shown seated on his mother's lap nursing. Isis made potent protective spells to keep her child safe and this protection would be accessible to one who wore the amulet.
Harpocrates (Horus-the-child) was the infant son of Osiris and Isis, often shown seated on his mother's lap nursing. Isis made potent protective spells to keep her child safe and this protection would be accessible to one who wore the amulet.
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.