Amulet Plaque with Figure of Thoth

Unknown

ca. 1000–945 B.C. · Faience · Egyptian Art

This amulet depicting the god Thoth was found on the left arm of the mummy together with a wedjat eye amulet and a djed pillar amulet (see 25.3.170b, c). Amulets often represent deities in order to invoke their protection and specific powers. Such amulets were used by the living and placed on mummies as well. The amulet here depicts the god Thoth as a man with an ibis-head. Thoth was the god of knowledge and writing and he was also thought to have healing powers. The popularity of Thoth amulets as mummy amulets probably relates to his role as recorder of the final judgment, in which it was determined if the deceased had lived a virtuous life.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1000–945 B.C.

Medium

Faience

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1925