Fine pale blue faience amulet of the god of mummification and the underworld, Anubis. He wears a pleated kilt, and the god 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.
 
Egyptian Late Period: 6th-1st century B.C.
 
Very Fine condition; a possible repair or fracture at the base of one of the ears, otherwise complete and intact.
Height 5 cms (2 ins)
 
Provenance: From A.B. private collection UK acquired during the 1930's and 1940's
 
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 on amulets