Thoth Amulet

Unknown

664–30 B.C. · Faience · Egyptian Art

Amulets often represent deities in order to invoke their protection and specific powers. Such amulets were used by the living and often placed on mummies as well. The piece here depicts the god Thoth as a man with an ibis-head. Thoth was the god of knowledge and writing, and he was thought to have healing powers. Thoth amulets were popular mummy amulets, which possibly relates to his healing powers and 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

664–30 B.C.

Medium

Faience

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Bequest of Mary Anna Palmer Draper, 1915