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Amulet of Amen
Egyptian
Third Intermediate Period–Hellenistic Period (Pt
1070–30 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Faience
Dimensions
Height: 5.4 cm (2 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Hay Collection—Gift of C. Granville Way
Accession Number72.4045
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Amulets
DescriptionThis crudely made, light blue glazed amulet represents Amen, the god of Thebes who became Egypt's supreme deity. He is shown as a human male, wearing a kilt and a tall, feathered headdress. There is a hole through the headdress for stringing. 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)
(Accession date: June 28, 1872)