Sa Amulet

Sa Amulet

Period: Middle Kingdom

Dynasty: Dynasty 11

Date: ca. 2051–1981 B.C.

Geography: From Egypt, Upper Egypt, Thebes, Deir el-Bahri, Temple of Mentuhotep II, North Triangular Court, Pit 23 (tattooed woman), found on body, MMA excavations, 1922–23

Medium: Silver, electrum

Dimensions: H. 8.5 cm (3 3/8 in); w. 3.5 cm (1 3/8 in); th. 0.1 cm (1/16 in)

Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1925

Accession Number: 25.3.253

Description

This hieroglyph, depicting a shepherd's rolled-up shelter, means protection. It was used regularly as an amulet and carried by certain deities, especially the Bes image and Taweret.

This "sa" amulet was found in the same tomb with a "seweret" bead (25.3.252) and a wooden box (25.3.255a–c). The "sa" amulet extends protection to the wearer, whether in life or death.

http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/545150