ticketsMember | Make a donation

Apotropaic rod

Middle Kingdom
ca. 1878–1640 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 111
Composed of four joining segments, this so-called magic rod is the only completely preserved example of its type. Perhaps related to the four "birthing bricks" arranged for the protection of mother and child during delivery, the rod was used to ward off harmful spirits. Some of the protective motifs—feline predators, crocodiles, toads, a turtle, wedjat eyes, and baboons with flaming torches—were also depicted on apotropaic wands and feeding cups, objects with the same defensive function.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Apotropaic rod
  • Period: Middle Kingdom
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 12
  • Reign: reign of Senwosret III
  • Date: ca. 1878–1640 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt
  • Medium: Glazed steatite
  • Dimensions: L. 27.5 cm (10 7/8 in.); W. 2.3 cm (7/8 in.); d-e) crocodiles: L. 3.5 cm (1 3/8 in.); f-g) lions: L. 3 cm (1 3/16 in.); h) turtle: L. 2.6 cm (1 in.); i-j) frogs: L. 2 cm (13/16 in.)
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926
  • Object Number: 26.7.1275a–j
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

Audio

Cover Image for 1119. Magic rod with animals on top

1119. Magic rod with animals on top

0:00
0:00
We're sorry, the transcript for this audio track is not available at this time. Please email info@metmuseum.org to request a transcript for this track.

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Scarab Inscribed "Hatshepsut, United with Amun", Steatite (glazed)
Scarab Inscribed "Hatshepsut, United with Amun"
ca. 1479–1458 B.C.
Shabti of Seniu, Glazed steatite, paint
Shabti of Seniu
ca. 1525–1504 B.C.
Cosmetic Spoon in the Shape of Swimming Woman Holding a Dish, Travertine (Egyptian alabaster), steatite
Cosmetic Spoon in the Shape of Swimming Woman Holding a Dish
ca. 1390–1352 B.C.
Magic rod fragment, Steatite, green glazed
Magic rod fragment
ca. 1981–1640 B.C.
Magic rod segment: lion, Steatite
Magic rod segment: lion
ca. 1981–1550 B.C.

Related Content

Timeline of Art History

Entries from The Met's art encyclopedia.

Publications

Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.

Showing 4 of 6

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.