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Amulet of a bull's head
Egyptian
Early Dynastic Period, Dynasty 2
2750–2649 B.C.
Findspot: Egypt, Zawyet el-Aryan
Medium/Technique
Ivory
Dimensions
Length x width: 3.2 x 2.9 cm (1 1/4 x 1 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number11.2641
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Amulets
DescriptionAmulets of this type–a stylized animal head with round eyes, long, curved horns and a downward-pointing snout–are thought to represent bulls. They were worn to impart verility and fertility to the wearer.
ProvenanceFrom Zawyet el-Aryan. 1911: excavated by the Harvard University–Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition; assigned to the MFA in the division of finds by the government of Egypt.
(Accession Date: October 19, 1911)
(Accession Date: October 19, 1911)