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Egyptian Mongoose with Cobra Amulet, Late Period, 664-525 B.C. A red-brown glass or faience amulet in the form of a mongoose (herpestes ichneumon) crowned by a cobra, modelled resting on its haunches on a rectangular base, with its forelegs raised in an attitude of adoration; suspension loop to reverse. Cf. The Brooklyn Museum, accession number 76.105.2, for a mongoose in similar pose; see Houlihan, P.F., The Animal World of the Pharaohs, London and New York, 1996, pp.125-127, for discussion of the Egyptian mongoose and an image of a comparable otter and shrew. 8.21 grams, 39 mm (1 1/2 in.). Acquired prior to 2000. Ex collection Mr. A.K., London, UK. Considered divine due to its ability to kill snakes, the mongoose could represent either the god Horus or Atum, or the goddess Mafdet.
londres, United Kingdom
