New Kingdom, 1550-1070 BC. A green glazed composition frog amulet with hieroglyph to the underside. Property of a London gentleman; acquired by his father in the 1970s; thence by descent. Cf. Andrews, C. Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, item 28(h). The Frog was worn as a protective talisman by both the living and the deceased, and was made of a variety of materials including gold, copper, different coloured stone, steatite and glazed coloured faience glass, especially in green or turquoise. The frog amulet was worn for its magical powers against sickness, pain and suffering. It was also given to extend good wishes for the recovery from disease and as a talisman for a long life. Heket or Heqet, was the ancient Egyptian frog-headed Goddess of childbirth. Egyptian women looked to her for protection during childbirth and wore amulets with her image. She was depicted in paintings and statues in human form with the head of a frog. Heket was the wife of Khnum the god of procreation (reproduction) who moulded the child and its ka (soul) within the womb, giving it the breath of life and then maintaining the health of the infant child after birth. Khnum was also a powerful protector of the dead and the god of rebirth and resurrection. As the wife of Khnum, Heket was also associated with resurrection. 0.83 grams, 13mm (1/2").

Very fine condition.