Thoth Amulet

Late Period–Ptolemaic Period

664–30 B.C.

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 130

Amulets often represent deities in order to invoke their protection and specific powers. Such amulets were used by the living and placed on mummies as well. The amulet here depicts the god Thoth as a man with an ibis-head. Thoth was the god of knowledge and writing and he was also thought to have healing powers. The popularity of Thoth amulets as mummy amulets probably relates to his role as recorder of the final judgment, in which it was determined if the deceased had lived a virtuous life.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Thoth Amulet
Period: Late Period–Ptolemaic Period
Dynasty: Dynasty 26–30
Date: 664–30 B.C.
Geography: From Egypt
Medium: Faience
Dimensions: H. 5.1 cm (2 in.)
Credit Line: Gift of Darius Ogden Mills, 1904
Object Number: 04.2.370
Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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