Collection
/
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Fragment of "Magic Knife"

ca. 1759–after 1630 B.C.E.

1 of 7

Object Label

Used for magical protection, objects like this one are today commonly called “knives” because of their sickle-like shape. Ancient Egyptians placed knives like this on the stomachs of pregnant women and on newborns to repel demons and disease. In the tomb, such knives provided protection for the deceased.

Caption

Fragment of "Magic Knife", ca. 1759–after 1630 B.C.E.. Egyptian blue frit, 1 3/8 x 3 9/16 in. (3.5 x 9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Evangeline Wilbour Blashfield, Theodora Wilbour, and Victor Wilbour honoring the wishes of their mother, Charlotte Beebe Wilbour, as a memorial to their father, Charles Edwin Wilbour , 16.580.145. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Title

Fragment of "Magic Knife"

Date

ca. 1759–after 1630 B.C.E.

Dynasty

Dynasty 13

Period

Middle Kingdom

Geography

Place made: Egypt

Medium

Egyptian blue frit

Classification

Accessory

Dimensions

1 3/8 x 3 9/16 in. (3.5 x 9 cm)

Credit Line

Gift of Evangeline Wilbour Blashfield, Theodora Wilbour, and Victor Wilbour honoring the wishes of their mother, Charlotte Beebe Wilbour, as a memorial to their father, Charles Edwin Wilbour

Accession Number

16.580.145

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