A small ancient Egyptian green faience amulet of a lion. The animal is shown in a recumbent position with forepaws to the front, on an integral rectangular plinth. Suspension loop at the top. Supplied with acrylic display stand.
Egyptian Ptolemaic period: Circa 4th-1st century BC.
Fine condition: a small area of erosion to the surface glaze at the front on one side.
Length 14 mms (0.55 ins).
Provenance: Ex London gallery; previously in a 1930's Home counties UK collection of a lady.
In ancient Egypt, faience lion amulets were believed to evoke the power of feline deities like Sekhmet, Bastet, and Wadjet. Wearers believed these amulets granted them the protection of the goddess, these amulets represented strength, healing, and divine authority, and such amulets were often placed in tombs to protect the soul in the afterlife.