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Amulet of Taweret

Egyptian
Late Period, Dynasty 30
380–332 B.C.
Findspot: Egypt, San-el-Hagar

Medium/Technique Faience
Dimensions Height: 4.8 cm (1 7/8 in.)
Credit Line Egypt Exploration Fund by subscription
Accession Number85.565
NOT ON VIEW
ClassificationsJewelry / AdornmentAmulets

DescriptionDull brown, no glaze. Standing figure of Taweret holding a girdle tie. Front of head broken off (missing).

Amulet of dull brownish faience with no traces of glaze remaining. Full-length, standing figure of the minor goddess Taweret, a deity primarily known as a protector of mothers and children, particularly during childbirth. The amulet depicts her characteristic form, though somewhat stylized: head and body of a (likely pregnant) hippo, pendulous breasts, leonine paws, and crocodile tail. Her paws rest upon the hieroglyphic sign for "protection" (sA). Front, upper portion of head broken off and missing.
ProvenanceFrom Tanis (San el-Hagar). 1884: excavated by William Flinders Petrie for the Egypt Exploration Fund; assigned to the Egypt Exploration Fund in the division of finds by the government of Egypt; October 28, 1885: presented to the MFA at EEF general meeting.
(Accession Date: March 1, 1885)