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Amulet of Selkit (Serket)
Egyptian
Late Period, Dynasty 30
380–332 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Faience
Dimensions
Height x width: 6 x 1.6 cm (2 3/8 x 5/8 in.)
Credit Line
Hay Collection—Gift of C. Granville Way
Accession Number72.4068
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Amulets
DescriptionSelkit was one of the four goddesses believed to protect the dead in the afterlife. She also served to protect the living against scorpion bites. In amulets, she appears as a human woman, stading and wearing a scorpion on her head. This example, made of greenish blue glazed faience, is broken at the thighs and the lower part is now missing. There is a suspension ring at the top of the head and incised hieroglyphic text on the back.
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)