Egyptian Faience Amulet of Nut

Egyptian Faience Amulet of Nut

Late Period, 664-332 B.C. Amulet of a sow representing the goddess Nut; suspension loop on top. Cf. Tinius, I., Altägypten in Braunschweig. Die Sammlungen des Herzog Anton Ulrich-Museums und des Städtischen Museums, Wiesbaden, 2011, p.157, no. 294, for similar. 2.63 grams, 24 mm (1 in.).

From the Florence Rosetti collection, UK, circa 1950s. Property of a Cambridgeshire, UK, gentleman.

This miniature sow pendant features a loop at the top and was worn as an amulet. The sow is often associated with the sky goddess Nut, who was believed to give birth to the stars every night, and then consume them at dawn. Despite the sow's reputation for devouring its offspring, Nut, in this form, was revered as a nurturing and safeguarding deity. A sow-shaped amulet was likely intended to offer protection to its wearer. [No Reserve]