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Amulet of Selkit (Serket)
Egyptian
Late Period, Dynasty 30
380–332 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Lapis lazuli
Dimensions
Height: 4.7 cm (1 7/8 in.)
Credit Line
Hay Collection—Gift of C. Granville Way
Accession Number72.1315
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Amulets
DescriptionSelkit was one of the four goddesses believed to protect the dead in the afterlife. She also served to protect the living against scorpion bites. In amulets, she appears as a human woman, stading and wearing a scorpion on her head. This amulet of lapis lazuli has a hole at the back for suspension. Part of the feet are broken off and missing.
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.