Ankh Amulet

Artist Unidentified

Period Late Period (Ancient Egyptian, 664–332 BCE)

Dynasty Dynasty 26 (Saite) (Ancient Egyptian, 664–525 BCE)

Place of OriginEgypt

Date26th Dynasty (664–525 BCE)

Dimensions2 1/8 in. (5.3 cm)

MediumEgyptian faience

ClassificationJewelry

Credit LineGift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

1906.65

Not on View

DescriptionIn the form of the symbol of "life". Light green glaze of uneven color.

Label TextThis amulet is shaped like an ankh, the ancient Egyptian hieroglyph for “life” (ˁnḫ). Symbolizing both physical vitality and eternal existence, the ankh was one of the most powerful and widespread signs in Egyptian religion. This example is made of faience, a bright blue-green ceramic material whose color evoked fertility, regeneration, and divine protection. Ankh amulets were worn by the living for health and safety, and placed among mummy wrappings to ensure rebirth in the afterlife. In Egyptian art, gods often hold the ankh to the nose of a king or the deceased—a gesture conveying the breath of life (senef).Published ReferencesPeck, William H., Sandra E. Knudsen and Paula Reich, Egypt in Toledo: The Ancient Egyptian Collection at the Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo, Toledo Museum of Art, 2011, p. 78, repr. (col.) p. 79.Exhibition HistoryToledo Museum of Art, The Egypt Experience: Secrets of the Tomb, 2010-2012.