Fragment of an apotropaic wand

This fragment illustrates two hybrid deities, each composed of multiple animal and human elements that are integrated to create a new potent divine entity. The hippo goddess (center) and Bes- image (left) were two of the most accessible deities to all ancient Egyptians. Here their images were incised, each one visually heightened with a black substance, into the surface of a semicircular object made from a sliced tusk. These apotropaic wands (variously referred to as birth tusks or magic knives) are implements that ancient Egyptians used as instruments for protection. Occasionally they include a woman’s or a child’s name and sometimes a protective inscription, but most are intended to communicate the user’s security through potent images. Some of these deities, like the Bes-images and hippo goddesses, were also illustrated elsewhere in the home or tomb.