Ram's-head Amulet

Ram's-head Amulet

Period: Kushite Period

Dynasty: Dynasty 25

Date: ca. 712–664 B.C.

Geography: Possibly from Nubia; From Egypt and Sudan

Medium: Gold

Dimensions: h. 4.2 cm (1 5/8 in); w. 3.6 cm (1 7/16 in); d. 2.0 cm (3/4 in); weight 65 grams

Credit Line: Gift of Norbert Schimmel Trust, 1989

Accession Number: 1989.281.98

Description

This amulet was probably made for a necklace worn by one of the Kushite kings. Representations show these pharaohs wearing a ram's-head amulet tied around the neck on a thick cord, the ends of which fall forward over the shoulders. Sometimes a smaller ram's head is attached to each end. Rams were associated with the god Amun, particularly in Nubia, where he was especially revered.

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1989.281.98/