Ibex-Shaped Design Amulet Inscribed With A Crocodile and A Fish

Unknown

ca. 1550–1295 B.C. · Faience · Egyptian Art

The animal on its little base might be crouching behind a bush during a hunt. Eyes wide open and head only slightly raised from the forelegs, the animal seems to be listening and sniffing for the dreaded hunter and his dogs. The ancient Egyptians considered the ibex to be a good-luck charm and symbol of renewal. Ibex figures often decorated New Year's gifts, and in "Happy New Year" inscriptions an ibex frequently served as the hieroglyphic emblem for the word "year." The piece here is pierced horizontally to fit into a ring.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1550–1295 B.C.

Medium

Faience

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926