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Ibex-Shaped Design Amulet Inscribed With A Crocodile and A Fish

New Kingdom
ca. 1550–1295 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 117
The animal on its little base might be crouching behind a bush during a hunt. Eyes wide open and head only slightly raised from the forelegs, the animal seems to be listening and sniffing for the dreaded hunter and his dogs. The ancient Egyptians considered the ibex to be a good-luck charm and symbol of renewal. Ibex figures often decorated New Year's gifts, and in "Happy New Year" inscriptions an ibex frequently served as the hieroglyphic emblem for the word "year." The piece here is pierced horizontally to fit into a ring.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Ibex-Shaped Design Amulet Inscribed With A Crocodile and A Fish
  • Period: New Kingdom
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 18
  • Date: ca. 1550–1295 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt
  • Medium: Faience
  • Dimensions: H. 1.2 cm (1/2 in); L. 1.8 cm (11/16 in); W. 0.6 cm (1/4 in)
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926
  • Object Number: 26.7.50
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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