Advanced Search
Ram-headed crystal pendant
Nubian
Napatan Period, reign of Piankhy (Piye)
743–712 B.C.
Findspot: Nubia (Sudan), El-Kurru, Ku 55 (tomb of unknown queen of Piye)
Medium/Technique
Gilded silver; rock crystal
Dimensions
Height x width: 9 × 2.5 cm (3 9/16 × 1 in.)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number24.976
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Pendants
DescriptionIn this unusual amulet, a gilt silver ram's head sits on a hollow octagonal crystal column. It originally inculded a cylindrical gold amulet case and base, which are now missing. The column was probably designed to hold a substance believed to have magical properties.
ProvenanceFrom El-Kurru, Ku 55 (an unnamed queen of king Piankhy). 1919: excavated by the Harvard University–Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition; assigned to the MFA in the division of finds by the government of Sudan.
(Accession date: March 1, 1919)
(Accession date: March 1, 1919)