Collection
/
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Hare Amulet

ca. 664–30 B.C.E.

1 of 4

Object Label

Living persons wore only one or a few amulets at a time, but mummies usually bear many amulets. The Ma’at amulet (no. 2) and heart scarabs (nos. 1, 3, 11), which occurred in many forms, guaranteed a successful judgment of the dead. The amulets of a hand (no. 8), lungs and a windpipe (no. 12), and wadjet-eyes (i.e., “healthy” eyes; no. 4) protected those parts of the body and also had connotations of resurrection and the unity or integrity of the mummy. The enigmatic aper amulet (no. 13) takes the form of the hieroglyph meaning “to be equipped,” perhaps in reference to the mummy’s preparation. The two crowns (nos. 5, 6) were symbols of power. The Heh insignia (no. 7), like the popular ankh-sign, denoted eternal life. Among the living, the frog (no. 9) and possibly also the hare (no. 10) suggested fertility. The amulets of the Four Sons of Horus (no. 15) perhaps served, as they did with canopic jars, to protect various organs of the body.

Caption

Hare Amulet, ca. 664–30 B.C.E.. Faience, H: 2.7 cm, H. of base: c. 0.5 cm; length 4.6 cm, L. of fig. 4.5 cm, L. of ears: 2.2 cm; width 5.0 cm. Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Carl L. Selden through The Roebling Society, 72.38. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Gallery

Not on view

Title

Hare Amulet

Date

ca. 664–30 B.C.E.

Period

Late Period to Ptolemaic Period

Geography

Place made: Egypt

Medium

Faience

Classification

Accessory

Dimensions

H: 2.7 cm, H. of base: c. 0.5 cm; length 4.6 cm, L. of fig. 4.5 cm, L. of ears: 2.2 cm; width 5.0 cm

Credit Line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Carl L. Selden through The Roebling Society

Accession Number

72.38

Frequent Art Questions

  • What is the meaning of the rabbit?

    Rabbits were common animals in the Ancient Egyptian desert. This particular object was an amulet worn around the neck that suggests fertility. Have you noticed that the Ancient Egyptian made many images of the animals from their environment?
    Yes, we just thought about that!

Have information?

Have information about an artwork? Contact us at

bkmcollections@brooklynmuseum.org.