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Isis knot (tyet) amulet
Egyptian
Late Period, Dynasty 25–30
760–332 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Faience
Dimensions
Height x width x depth: 2.8 x 0.9 x 0.5 cm (1 1/8 x 3/8 x 3/16 in.)
Credit Line
Hay Collection—Gift of C. Granville Way
Accession Number72.2354
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Amulets
DescriptionA type of amulet known as the tyet consists of an open, knotted loop of cloth from which hangs a long sash flanked by a pair of loops. These amulets were closely associated with the goddes Isis and her protective powers. From the New Kingdom on, Egyptians and later Nubians routinely included them in the mummy wrappings to guard the mummy. The ideal material for tyets was red stone, identified with the blood of Isis, although many examples is faience, like thisone, were also made.
ProvenanceBy 1836: Robert Hay Collection, Linplum, Scotland; 1863: to his son, Robert James Alexander Hay; 1868-1872: Way Collection, Boston (purchased by Samuel A. Way through London dealers Rollin and Feuardent, 27 Haymarket); 1872: given to the MFA by Samuel's son, C. Granville Way.
(Accession date: June 28, 1872)
(Accession date: June 28, 1872)