J15

Egyptian amethyst baboon amulet

£400

A delicately carved but quite stylised amethyst amulet in the form of a seated baboon.

The seated baboon was a representation of the god Thoth, patron of scribes and wisdom.

Baboons were very popular in Egypt and sometimes kept as pets; Many tomb scenes show the animal led on a leash, or playing with the children of the household. It is believed that some baboons were trained by their owners to pick figs in the trees for them.

The baboon was also very admired in Egypt for its intelligence and also for its sexual lustfulness. Baboon feces was an ingredient in Egyptian aphrodisiac ointments

Egypt, Middle Kingdom, early 2nd Millennium BC

Intact. The gold loop is modern.

Size: 1.6 cms.

Ex. UK private collection.