Collection
/
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Human Leg Amulet

ca. 2500–2130 B.C.E.

1 of 3

Object Label

The human leg frequently appears as an amulet, usually as part of a matching pair. Since these were often placed next to the ankles of the deceased, they were meant to protect the legs and feet. As such, leg amulets magically bestowed the deceased with the ability to move in the afterlife. The red-orange color of carnelian symbolized the power and energy essential for this part of the body.

Caption

Human Leg Amulet, ca. 2500–2130 B.C.E.. Carnelian, 7/16 x 3/16 x 13/16 in. (1.1 x 0.4 x 2 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, 16.580.22. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Gallery

Not on view

Title

Human Leg Amulet

Date

ca. 2500–2130 B.C.E.

Dynasty

Dynasty 5 to Dynasty 8

Period

Late Old Kingdom to First Intermediate Period

Medium

Carnelian

Classification

Accessory

Dimensions

7/16 x 3/16 x 13/16 in. (1.1 x 0.4 x 2 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

16.580.22

Have information?

Have information about an artwork? Contact us at

bkmcollections@brooklynmuseum.org.