Amulets in the shape of a hedgehog are relatively rare in the material culture, becoming more popular during the New Kingdom. As most of the amulets, hedgehog-shaped amulets were held as symbols of rebirth and afterlife. Since hedgehogs usually retreated underground for long periods when food was scarce, only to re-emerge in times of abundance, the Egyptians linked this behaviour with the concepts of rebirth and afterlife. They were also associated with the lunar aspect of the sun, as hedgehogs are primarily nocturnal creatures.
Egyptian Faience Seal Amulet of a Hedgehog
$1,018.26
A rare, Egyptian, faience amulet of a hedgehog, with carved hieroglyphs to its base. The amulet features a deeply moulded, curved back, highlighting the protrusions of the animal’s spines. The snout is elongated, with large, rounded ears to the sides. The animal’s paws sit to the front, underneath it’s face. The hedgehog sits on a rounded base, which has been incised with hieroglyphs. A large central falcon can be seen, holding a royal flail. Before it, is a prominent ankh sign.
1 in stock
Additional information
| Weight | 7 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2.2 × 1.7 cm |
| Culture | Ancient Egyptian |
| Region | North Africa |
| Faience | Brown Faience |
