Papyrus Scepter Amulet
1550 BCE - 1069 BCE
Late New Kingdom (1550-1069 BCE)
2 in. (5.1 cm)
Egyptian artist
Egypt
Object Type:
Ceramics
Medium and Support:
Faience
Credit Line:
The C. Herbert Ocumpaugh Collection
Accession Number:
1928.170
Location: Currently on view
Collection:
The C. Herbert Ocumpaugh Collection
Amulets are small objects that represent gods, goddesses, and symbols of rebirth. Made of bronze, clay, or stone, they offered the wearer sacred protection both in the world of the living and in the afterlife. Ancient Egyptians wore amulets as jewelry
during life; priests would also place amulets within the wrappings of a mummy as they prepared it for burial. Certain amulets were placed in specific locations on the mummy, such as over the heart, the throat, or the incision on the abdomen.
The papyrus scepter, which represents the papyrus plant and fresh vegetation, symbolizes rebirth.
[Gallery label text, 2009]