Gold amulet case
The cases contained spells invoking divine protection, written on thin sheets of gold or on papyrus. The practice originated in Egypt but was later very popular with the Phoenicians, from whom it is likely that it was passed on not only to Cyprus but also to Carthage. Amulet cases continued to be made well into Roman times and may be seen as the prototype for Islamic amulets.
Artwork Details
- Title: Gold amulet case
- Date: 7th–2nd century BCE
- Culture: Cypro-Phoenician
- Medium: Gold
- Dimensions: Other: 1 1/16 in. (2.7 cm)
- Classification: Gold and Silver
- Credit Line: The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
- Object Number: 74.51.3321
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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Greek or Scythian
ca. 340–320 BCE
Greek
ca. 200 BCE
Cypriot
ca. 725–675 BCE
East Greek
ca. 300 BCE
Greek
ca. 330–300 BCE
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