Late Period

Amuletic disk (Hypocephalus)

Amuletic disk (Hypocephalus)

The term hypocephalus refers to a piece of Late Period and Ptolemaic funerary equipment. It is specifically an amuletic disc made of cartonnage, bronze, textile, or rarely from papyrus and even wood, emulating a solar disc. It was made for Tasheritenkhonsu. Linen and plaster, inscribed in ink. It dates to the Late Period, 26th Dynasty,...

Statue of Thoth as an Ibis

This statue represents the god Thoth in the form of a sitting ibis. The artist’s careful choice of materials, the bronze of the head and the white limestone of the body, give the statue the appearance of a real bird. The feathers of the body are in light relief while the tail, which is separate...

Head of a Cat with Amber Eyes

Bronze head of a cat represents goddess Bastet or Bast with inlaid amber eyes and a golden scarab on its forehead, it was part of a cat-shaped sarcophagus for a cat mummy, as a sacrifice to the goddess Bastet. The little feline lived in the houses, that’s why it was associated to the goddess Bastet,...

Papyrus Column Amulet

This papyrus column amulet, meant to be worn, carried, or offered to a deity in the belief that it will magically bestow a particular power or form of protection, depicts a papyrus scepter or column. This plant, named wadj, meaning “green” or “fresh”, and the choice of green-blue faience all strongly evoke vitality and regenerative...

Obsidian two finger amulet

Two Finger Amulet

This amulet depicts two finger that are about life-size. Two finger amulets were used exclusively for the dead and were often found placed on the embalming incision, which was made during the mummification process. These amulets were meant magically to heal the wound. The first examples of this amulet type date to 26th Dynasty, ca....

Portable stele of god Bes in panther skin

Stele of god Bes in panther skin

Ancient Egyptian arched stele of god Bes in panther skin. The dwarf God, protector of households, believed to guard against evil spirits and misfortune. Bes is depicted with wings and tail of bird, standing, phallus erect, holding Ankh sign and scepter, panther skin, sandals, overwhelming in lower panel snakes, jackal, turtle, crocodile, scorpion, hippopotamus and...

The Making of Lotus Perfume

Limestone slab with relief depicting women pressing lotus flowers, for the making of perfume or narcotics. The women at center twist a sack in which the lotus flowers are collected, the juice of which collects in the container below. The Ancient Egyptians loved beautiful fragrances. They associated them with the gods and recognized their positive...

Block Statue of Hor, Son of Ankhkhonsu

Block Statue of Hor, Son of Ankhkhonsu

This block statue belonged to a person called Hor, who was a priest of Montu. It was consecrated to him in the domain of Karnak by his grandson, also called Hor. The dedication of this statue in the temple ensured that Hor would stay forever near the god of the temple and receive a part...

Statue of Nespaqashuty, son of Nespamedou. Egyptian Museum, Cairo. JE 36665

Statue of the scribe Nespaqashuty, Son of Nespamedou

In this well modeled and polished statue, the vizier Nespaqashuty is depicted as a scribe. He is seated with crossed legs on the pedestal, but with neither a roll of papyrus nor a pen. He is wearing a shoulder length striped wig and a short kilt with a broad belt. His face has a slim,...

Statue of a Cat with her Kittens

Statue of a Cat with her Kittens

A statue of a cat feeding one kitten and playing with another is shown lying on a sarcophagus designed to store the mummified remains of cats. Cats were commonly portrayed in Egyptian art, especially during the Saite period, which was characterized by numerous images of animals in general. When represented, the cat-shaped statues was most...