Amulet
2nd century-3rd century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Amulets were meant to protect the owner from evil. This amulet takes the form of the head of Hercules, one of the most famous heroes of Classical mythology. In Egypt during the Roman period (30 BC-AD 639), Hercules was a symbol of power as well as of protection during times of war.
The turquoise glaze on this amulet was popular in the pre-Islamic Middle East. In Egypt, turquoise was associated with good fortune as the colour of the life-giving River Nile. Under Islam, the lucky associations of the blue-green colour persisted in an informal way.
The turquoise glaze on this amulet was popular in the pre-Islamic Middle East. In Egypt, turquoise was associated with good fortune as the colour of the life-giving River Nile. Under Islam, the lucky associations of the blue-green colour persisted in an informal way.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Moulded, turquoise-glazed faience ware |
| Brief description | Moulded amulet in the form of the head of Hercules, Egypt, 2nd-3rd century AD. |
| Physical description | Moulded, turquoise-green glazed head of Hercules wearing the lion skin. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Style | |
| Gallery label | Jameel Gallery
1–2 Turquoise Glaze
Turquoise glaze, which was made by adding copper, was popular in the pre-Islamic Middle East. In Egypt, turquoise was associated with good fortune as the colour of the life-giving River Nile. For this reason, it was used on amulets, which were meant to protect the owner from evil. Under Islam, the lucky associations of the blue-green colour persisted in an informal way.
2 Head of Hercules Amulet
Egypt, AD 100–300
Moulded faience with coloured glaze
Museum no. 486-1891
(Jameel Gallery) |
| Object history | Objects 440-1891 to 559-1891 were purchased together from W.M.F. Petrie, for £12 6 shillings. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | Amulets were meant to protect the owner from evil. This amulet takes the form of the head of Hercules, one of the most famous heroes of Classical mythology. In Egypt during the Roman period (30 BC-AD 639), Hercules was a symbol of power as well as of protection during times of war. The turquoise glaze on this amulet was popular in the pre-Islamic Middle East. In Egypt, turquoise was associated with good fortune as the colour of the life-giving River Nile. Under Islam, the lucky associations of the blue-green colour persisted in an informal way. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 486-1891 |
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| Record created | September 19, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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