An Egyptian Green Faience Falcon Amulet, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE

The elegant upright form with incised detail highlighting eyes, beak and wings crossing over the tail feathers; with a suspension hole at the back for attachment.  

During the Late Period, the falcon amulet was normally located on the chest, and examples are known in green feldspar, such as this fine example, amethyst, lapis lazuli, and glazed composition.  

Horus is one of the oldest and most significant deities in the ancient Egyptian religion, who was worshipped from at least the late Predynastic period through to Greco-Roman times. Different forms of Horus are recorded in history and these are treated as distinct gods by Egypt specialists. These various forms may possibly be different perceptions of the same multi-layered deity in which certain attributes or syncretic relationships are emphasized, not necessarily in opposition but complementary to one another, consistent with how the Ancient Egyptians viewed the multiple facets of reality. He was most often depicted as a falcon, most likely a lanner or peregrine, or as a man with a falcon head.

Dimensions:  Height: 3/4 inch (1.9 cm)

Condition:  Intact and in overall good condition

Provenance:  Private Maryland collection of a diplomat, acquired while serving in Egypt between 1949 and 1956, and then by descent.