An Egyptian Faience Amulet of a Hare, Late Period, Dynasty 26, ca. 664 - 525 BCE

Most popular in the Late Period, hare amulets were made exclusively of green-glazed composition with a suspension loop on the spine supporting the long erect ears. The hare was a desert dweller and thereby credited with powers of regeneration, but its swiftness of movement and the keenness of its senses were also well known; it was even believed to sleep with its eyes open. Its fecundity, of course, was proverbial. Thus a hare amulet could be worn in life to endow its wearer with fertility or rapidity of movement, or in death with the hope of rebirth.

cf: Andrews, Carol 'Amulets of Ancient Egypt', University of Texas Press (1994), 60(e) and pg 63-634.

Condition: Intact and in excellent condition overall, a very fine example.

Dimensions: Length: 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm)

Provenance: Private English collection, acquired in the late 1800s and then by descent through the family to the present owner.