Apotropaic Wand Fragment
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.This object is not part of The Met collection. It was in the Museum for a special exhibition and has been returned to the lender.
One side of this ivory carving depicts a dangerous crocodile, the other shows a jackal’s head on a pole and a poisonous toad on a basket, all rendered in exquisite detail. Apotropaic wands were Middle Kingdom objects decorated with figures that protected mother and child as well as the deceased. The animals on these wands represented both the hazardous and benevolent aspects of their nature, which Egyptian magic attempted to harness for the benefit of humans.
One side of this ivory carving depicts a dangerous crocodile, the other shows a jackal’s head on a pole and a poisonous toad on a basket, all rendered in exquisite detail. Apotropaic wands were Middle Kingdom objects decorated with figures that protected mother and child as well as the deceased. The animals on these wands represented both the hazardous and benevolent aspects of their nature, which Egyptian magic attempted to harness for the benefit of humans.
Artwork Details
- Title: Apotropaic Wand Fragment
- Period: Middle Kingdom
- Dynasty: Dynasty 12
- Date: ca. 1981-1802 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt, Upper Egypt; Thebes
- Medium: Ivory
- Dimensions: L. 9.5 cm (3 3/4 in.); W. 6.4 cm (2 1/2 in.); Th. 1 cm (3/8 in.)
- Credit Line: Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Ägyptisches Museum und Papyrussammlung
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art