Human Leg Amulet
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art
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.
MEDIUM
Carnelian
DATES
ca. 2500–2130 B.C.E.
DYNASTY
Dynasty 5 to Dynasty 8
PERIOD
Late Old Kingdom to First Intermediate Period
DIMENSIONS
7/16 x 3/16 x 13/16 in. (1.1 x 0.4 x 2 cm)
(show scale)
ACCESSION NUMBER
16.580.22
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
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Human right leg in carnelian, as amulet. Both sides alike with no detail. Pierced through top.
Condition: Good.
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
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. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 16.580.22_front_PS2.jpg)
IMAGE
front, 16.580.22_front_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2009
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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