Superb Egyptian Glazed Sekhmet Amulet

$1,390.08

An incredibly fine turquoise glazed faience amulet of the fierce Egyptian goddess, Sekhmet. She is carved on a rectangular base and depicted in a forward moving motion, with her left stepping forward, with both arm at her side. She is depicted wearing a headpiece which frames her naturalistically rendered feline facial features. Although the face shows little detailing, the form and execution of the rendering is stunning, with identical cat ears on the top of the head and an elongated snout. The faience glaze has lasted well over time, with the turquoise colour still vivid.

Date: Circa 715 - 332 BC
Period: Late Dynastic Period
Condition: Excellent condition.

SOLD

SKU: G-337 Category: Tags: , ,

Amulets held different meanings, depending on their type or form. Small amulets depicting gods and goddesses seem to have induced the protective powers of the deity. On the other hand, small representations of anatomical features or creatures suggest that the wearer required protection over a specific body part, or that he/she desired the skills of a particular animal. Amulets depicting animals were very common in the Old Kingdom Period, whilst representations of deities gained popularity in the Middle Kingdom.

Sekhmet was the fierce goddess of the Memphite area, forming a powerful trio with her husband, the creator-god Ptah, and their son, Nerfertum. Sekhmet was goddess of the sun and war: she symbolised the scorching heat of the sun, and brought plague and pestilence. According to myth, she was a savage who wanted to slaughter the human race and to drink human blood, prevented only by Ra. She was also seen as the fiercest of warriors, and was the protector of the pharaohs. It was said that the desert was caused by her breath alone, and she was rendered as a lion because this big cat was the bravest hunter known to the Egyptians.

To find out more about Ancient Egyptian amulets please see our relevant blog post: Egyptian Amulets and their Meanings: Ancient Egyptian Gods.

Weight 4.0 g
Dimensions H 5.0 cm
Culture

Egyptian Mythology

Faience

Region

Country

Reference: For a similar item, Art Institute Chicago, reference number 1894.1950.

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