Fragmentary amulet

Egyptian

Late Period?

Faience

R6035

This tiny amulet depicts an ibis, a large wading bird that was sacred to Thoth, god of medicine, writing, and wisdom. Amulets had many functions in ancient Egypt, such as ensuring the favor of a certain god, and were often included in the wrappings of a mummy. For a more complete example of the motif, see here.