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Amulet of Horus as a falcon
Egyptian
Late Period, Dynasty 25–30
760–332 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Stone
Dimensions
Overall: 3.1 x 1.9 cm (1 1/4 x 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Hay Collection—Gift of C. Granville Way
Accession Number72.1288
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Amulets
DescriptionThis rather schematically carved dark stone amulet represents the god Horus in the form of a falcon. Although Egypt had numerous falcon deities, this one is identifiable as Horus because he wears the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt. Because Horus was worshipped as the heroic victor in his battle with the god of chaos, Seth, these amulets were belived to protect the wearer from threatening forces. A loop on the back of the head allowed the amulet to be worn on a string.
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)