A small, bright blue glazed faience amulet depicting the goddess Heqet in the form of a frog. Heqet was the Egyptian goddess of fertility and regeneration and is shown with a ridged body, the legs poised as if ready to leap forward. The amulet is pierced longitudinally for suspension, through the frog's feet.
 
Egyptian New Kingdom to Third Intermediate period: Circa 1500-600 BC.
 
Condition: Complete and intact
Length: 15 mms (0.6 ins)
 
Provenance: From a private collection acquired by the previous owner's father in the 1950's
 
For a similar example see: https://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/artifact/frog-amulet-6
 
The frog was noted for its prolific breeding habits, and was a symbol of fertility, associated with the annual flooding of the Nile. With this association Heqet also became a symbol of rebirth. Within the Osiris myth she was responsible for breathing life into the young Horus at birth. When placed on the mummy, a frog amulet was believed to have powers of regeneration but was also worn by the living as a symbol of fertility. It is entirely feasible that this amulet was worn by a lady wanting Heqet's aid in fertility or childbirth.
 
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