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Amulet of Re-Horakhty

Egyptian
Late Period, Dynasty 25–30
760–332 B.C.

Medium/Technique Glass
Dimensions Overall: 4.1 x 1.3 cm (1 5/8 x 1/2 in.)
Credit Line Hay Collection—Gift of C. Granville Way
Accession Number72.4531
NOT ON VIEW
ClassificationsJewelry / AdornmentAmulets

DescriptionThis amulet of a standing, falcon-headed man probably represents the solar god Re-Horakhty, since he is wearing a sun disc on his head. Since Re-Horakhty was associated with the rising sun, amulets like this one were thought to help guarantee perpetual rebirth in the afterlife. The amulet is made of deep red glass, with the image of the god impressed on the front and a flat back. It was broken in the middle and mended.
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)