An Egyptian Faience Amulet of an Ox Leg, New Kingdom, 19th – 20th Dynasty, ca. 1293 - 1070 BCE

Formed of bright blue faience, this amulet represents the foreleg of an ox, known in Egyptian as the khepesh, with the body tapering naturally toward the hoof. The modeling is compact and sculptural, with a saturated glaze characteristic of Late Period faience production.

Amulets of this type are most often documented in foundation deposits or used as hieroglyphic inlays rather than as personal adornment. The ox foreleg held strong ritual significance and played a key role in the Opening of the Mouth ceremony. On the day of burial, the foreleg of a freshly slaughtered calf was symbolically presented to the mummy at the tomb entrance, an act intended to restore the deceased’s senses and vitality in the afterlife.

Reference: Carol Andrews, Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, British Museum Press (1994), p. 91.

Published:  Ede, "Small Sculpture from Ancient Egypt," Catalog XVII, object #28.

Medium:  Faience

Dimensions:  Length: 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm)

Condition:  Overall in good condition with some pitting to the surface that does not detract.

Provenance:  Thilo and Izora Steinschulte private collection, VA, acquired in 1990 from Charles Ede, Ltd., London, then by descent. Accompanied by a copy of the original collector's paperwork.

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