Amethyst (purple variety of quartz) Ancient Romano-Egyptian Frog (symbol of Renewal and Fertiltiy )- (1)

Of nice colour amethyst, carved in the shape of a turtle, neck pierced for suspension. A turtle was at any rate undoubtedly inteded to work apotropaically, for the turtle was for the ancients a creature of evil symbolism and was about death and darkness . This maybe because of its water based existence it was thus believed, like the serpent Apophis to inhabit the murky waters of the Underworld, waiting to impede the nightly progression of the sung god's barque. It was certainly considered his arch enemy: "may Re live and the turtle die" as New Kingdom coffin inscriptions and some contemporary tomb texts demand. In late Period temples, the turtle is depicted being harpooned, and thus rendered harmless, just as often as the hippopotamus, that other symbol of evil and malevolence. Turtle amulets are made from such varied materials as green of bleu glazed composition (faience) amethyst, ivory, serpentine, moulded hollow sheet gold and in particular, cornelian, olivine and green jasper. There are two distinct forms: one naturalistically representing the animal with head, legs, and tail coming out of the shell and the other one, much more like a simple convex disc with only a protruding head. Amethyst, a translucent quartz, with glassy sheen can range in colour from a deep violet to a barely violet coloured transparent stone. It source was known to the ancient Egyptians to be in the Wadi el-Hudi, south east of Aswan. But older workings have been found north west of Abu Simbel. Most amulets and scarabs made from amethyst date to the Middle Kingdom, but later examples do occur also. Size: 2. 5 cm. L. Material: Amethyst Culture: Roman, c. 2nd Century A. D. Condition: Intact Provenance: European Lady’s collection of frogs and turtles, acquired in Belgium in the 1980s. The seller guarantees that this item has been legally acquired & will be legally exported, related documents seen by Catawiki. This item do not need an export licence within the EU. The seller will inform the buyer if it needs a UK export licence outside the EU Worldwide shipping by Registered Mail. Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity It is believed that certain gemstones and minerals have beneficial health and spiritual properties. Catawiki cannot guarantee or be held liable for these suggested attributes which have no scientific evidence and cannot be considered a substitute for traditional medical treatment.