Egyptian New Kingdom (1550 – 1070 BC) Haematite scarab amulet depicting Taweret

 
Egyptian New Kingdom (1550 – 1070 BC) Haematite scarab amulet depicting Taweret, goddess of childbirth
 
Material and method: Haematite, engraved by hand and pierced in antiquity; modern sterling silver mount; kangaroo leather necklace.
 
Period of manufacture: 1550 - 1070 BC (New Kingdom Egypt).
 
Weight of the amulet: 0.53gm
 
Length of the amulet: 9mm
 
Stock no: J161
 
Comments:
Amulets were widely used in ancient Egypt and large numbers of them have survived. Their purpose was to provide protection to the wearer. The scarab beetle is the emblem of Khepri, the god of the morning sun. A scarab amulet therefore represents the creation and renewal of life. For example, heart scarabs were placed on mummies to protect and preserve them for their role in the next life.
Taweret is the goddess of childbirth and is depicted as an upright walking hippopotamus with pendulous breasts, lion’s paws and a crocodile back and tail.
This little scarab amulet was probably intended to give two layers of protection to the wearer, the scarab giving general protection to the wearer in this life and the image of Taweret giving specific protection in childbirth.
Ancient Egyptian women would wear an amulet of Taweret up until their child was born and then after the birth, exchange it for an amulet of Bes, the protector of children.
Haematite is a very hard form of iron oxide.
 
Contact us for more information or to purchase this item.