Egyptian Faience Amulets- Lion
Front
Lion 2019-07-29
Name/Title
Egyptian Faience Amulets- LionEntry/Object ID
03EG0883xxxviDescription
Amulet in the shape of a lion laying down.Use
ProtectionContext
The Egyptians believed that misfortune and disease originated from malign spirits and the hostile dead. Maintaining health and prosperity was therefore achieved by providing protection against these forces. Amulets representing particular forces were worn around the neck for good luck and protection. They were also buried with the dead to ensure safe passage to the afterlife. The lion was a solar animal, and to begin with the lion image was only equated with the sun god. As a solar animal it could symbolize both destruction and death at night and rebirth in the morning. Through this solar symbolism the lion was connected with Nefertem, and was frequently depicted with two heads, in order to able to follow the course of the sun. In addition to this the lion is a symbol of power, able to instill terror in all.Made/Created
Time Period
UnknownEthnography
Culture/Tribe
Egyptian