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Crocodile amulet

Ptolemaic Period
304–247 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 134
Crocodiles were dangerous animals, but Sobek, probably the divinity depicted in this amulet, was a benevolent water deity. The Nile issuing from his sweat made the valley productive, and as a fertility god he was linked to the myth surrounding rebirth in the afterlife. The fine quality of this piece suggests it was a temple offering.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Crocodile amulet
  • Period: Ptolemaic Period
  • Date: 304–247 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt
  • Medium: Faience
  • Dimensions: H. 1.1 cm (7/16 in.); W. 1.5 cm (9/16 in.); L. 3.9 cm (1 9/16 in.)
  • Credit Line: Gift of Norbert Schimmel Trust, 1989
  • Object Number: 1989.281.96
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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