Sow Amulet
This tiny sow features a loop at the top and was used as an amulet. Sows are connected to the sky goddess Nut, who was thought to give birth to the stars each night and swallow them at dawn. Ancient Egyptians sometimes depicted her as a sow, based on the animal’s behavior to eat her own piglets. However, Nut was seen as a protective and motherly goddess and an amulet in the shape of a sow was probably meant to protect its wearer.
Artwork Details
- Title: Sow Amulet
- Period: Third Intermediate Period–Late Period
- Date: ca. 1086–664 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt
- Medium: Faience
- Dimensions: L. 1.3 × H. 1.1 × Th. 0.5 cm (1/2 × 7/16 × 3/16 in.)
- Credit Line: Bequest of Nanette B. Kelekian, 2020
- Object Number: 2021.41.11
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
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ca. 1070–664 B.C.
ca. 872–664 BCE
664–525 BCE
27 B.C.–A.D. 14
4th century B.C.
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