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Amulet of Khnum or Harsaphes (Heryshef)
Egyptian
Late Period, Dynasty 25–30
760–332 B.C.
Findspot: Egypt, Giza
Medium/Technique
Faience
Dimensions
Height: 1.5 cm (9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number27.1054
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Amulets
DescriptionThis amulet of pale green glazed faience depicts a ram-headed male deity standing and walking forward. Egypt, and later Nubia, had multiple ram gods and it is often difficult to identify which one is intended. This god may therefoe be Khnum, the patron deity of Elephantine (modern Aswan) or Harsaphes, the patron of Heracleopolis. In either case, amulets of this type were placed in burials to assist the rebirth of the deceased in the afterlife. There is a hole at the back for suspension. the headdress is now missing.
ProvenanceFrom Giza: N of Pyr. I-b [Excav. date] Nov. 15, 1924 / Phot. B. 5797. Excavated by the Harvard University–Museum of Fine Arts Expedition; assigned to the MFA by the government of Egypt.