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 often placed on mummies as well. The piece here depicts the god Thoth as a man with an ibis-head. Thoth was the god of knowledge and writing, and he was thought to have healing powers. Thoth amulets were popular mummy amulets, which possibly relates to his healing powers and 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
Date: 664–30 B.C.
Geography: From Egypt
Medium: Faience
Dimensions: H. 2.6 cm (1 in.); W. 0.7 cm (1/4 in.); D. 0.9 cm (3/8 in.)
Credit Line: Bequest of Mary Anna Palmer Draper, 1915
Object Number: 15.43.324
Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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