Shu Amulet

Late Period

664–332 B.C.

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 127

Shu, god of the air, is associated with the principle of life. In the Heliopolitan creation myth, Shu initiated life by raising the sky to separate it from the earth. In amulets Shu kneels with arms raised to perform this feat. Very often a sun disk is shown over his head, alluding to the sky.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Shu Amulet
Period: Late Period
Dynasty: Dynasty 26–30
Date: 664–332 B.C.
Geography: From Egypt
Medium: Faience
Dimensions: H. 3.5 cm (1 3/8 in.); W. 2.1 cm (13/16 in.); D. 1.8 cm (11/16 in.)
Credit Line: Gift of Darius Ogden Mills, 1904
Object Number: 04.2.372
Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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