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Isis knot (tyet) amulet
Egyptian
Late Period
664–332 B.C.
Findspot: Egypt, Tell Nabasha, Body A, Tomb 23
Medium/Technique
Jasper
Dimensions
Overall: 3.8 x 1.2 cm (1 1/2 x 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Egypt Exploration Fund by subscription
Accession Number87.671.37
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Amulets
DescriptionA type of amulet known as the tyet consists of an open, knotted loop of cloth from which hangs a long sash flanked by a pair of loops. These amulets were closely associated with the goddes Isis and her protective powers. From the New Kingdom on, Egyptians and later Nubians routinely included them in the mummy wrappings to guard the mummy. The ideal material for tyets, as shown here, was red stone, identified with the blood of Isis.
ProvenanceFrom Tell Nabasha, Tomb 23, body A. 1886, excavated by William Matthew Flinders Petrie for the Egypt Exploration Fund, assigned to the EEF by the Egyptian government; presented to the MFA at EEF fifth annual general meeting; sent over June 1, 1887. (Accession date: January 1, 1887)