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Amulet of the Apis bull
Egyptian
Late Period, Dynasty 25–30
760–332 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Faience
Dimensions
Overall: 2.2 x 1.9 cm (7/8 x 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Hay Collection—Gift of C. Granville Way
Accession Number72.2749
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Amulets
DescriptionThe Apis bull was sacred to the creator god Ptah of Memphis and also had close associations with the funerary god Osiris. Egyptians wore amulets of the Apis both to show their devotion and to improve their chances of rebirth after death. This amulet of deep blue faience takes the form of a plaque with the Apis in raised relief. It shows the Apis in his most common form, striding forward with a solar disk between his horns. There is a ring at the top for suspension and the back is flat and plain.
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.