A pale blue faience amulet of the god of mummification and the underworld, Anubis. He wears a pleated kilt, and is depicted in typical walking pose, striding with his left leg forward, as he keeps his elongated arms stiff at his sides. Pierced through the back pillar for suspension. Supplied with a modern acrylic display stand.
 
Egyptian Late period: 6th-1st century B.C.
 
Very Fine condition; complete and intact.
Height 4.1 cms (1.6 ins)
 
Provenance: Ex London gallery; previously in a 1930's Home counties UK collection.
 
Reference: See Carol Andrews' Amulets of Ancient Egypt (London 1994) page 46
 
In Egyptian mythology, Anubis invented the mummification process when he embalmed the god Osiris. Because of this, he became the patron god of embalmers. Amulets depicting Anubis honoured this role, which was essential to preserving the body for rebirth in the afterlife.
 
See our blog post: The Magical Powers of Ancient Egyptian Amulets