Artwork Page for Frog Amulet

Details / Information for Frog Amulet

Frog Amulet

c. 1380–1330 BCE

Egypt, New Kingdom (1540–1069 BCE), Dynasty 18

Medium
polychrome faience
Measurements
Overall: 0.8 x 0.9 cm (5/16 x 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Cyril and Jessica Aldred 1980.123
Public Domain
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Location
107 Egyptian
Print
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Did You Know?

This frog amulet was made from faience, a fine type of self-glazing ceramic that is characteristically turquoise blue. It is a representation of Heqet, the frog goddess associated with childbirth and fertility.

Description

The frog, because of its numerous offspring, was a symbol of fertility. In fact, the hieroglyphic sign for 100,000 was a tadpole. Frog amulets were very popular both in semiprecious stone and in faience, and were worn by women hoping for an easy delivery. Both sexes wore the frog in expectation of a successful rebirth in the afterlife.
A crouching glazed ceramic frog with a grayish-blue color and with orange-brown glazed eyes tilts its head up. It crouches on an undulating disk, its legs appearing to merge with it at points. The frog itself has a rippling surface with ridges running down its back. Light glints off the glazing.

Frog Amulet

c. 1380–1330 BCE

Egypt, New Kingdom (1540–1069 BCE), Dynasty 18

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