Gold amulet case

Unknown

7th–2nd century BCE · Gold · Greek and Roman Art

The cases contained spells invoking divine protection, written on thin sheets of gold or on papyrus. The practice originated in Egypt but was later very popular with the Phoenicians, from whom it is likely that it was passed on not only to Cyprus but also to Carthage. Amulet cases continued to be made well into Roman times and may be seen as the prototype for Islamic amulets.

Artist

Unknown

Date

7th–2nd century BCE

Medium

Gold

Culture

Cypro-Phoenician

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76