Advanced Search 
Amulet of a bull's head
Egyptian
Predynastic Period
Naqada I–III, 3850–2960 B.C.
Findspot: Egypt, Naga el-Hai (Qena), tomb K 681
Medium/Technique
Serpentine
Dimensions
Length: 1.1 cm (7/16 in.)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number13.3530
NOT ON VIEW
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. Serpentine ws a particularly common stone for these amulets.
ProvenanceFrom Naga el-Hai (Qena), tomb K 681. 1913: 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: December 4, 1913)
(Accession Date: December 4, 1913)