Ancient Egyptian Faience Sow amulet. 2,7 cm L. 664 - 332 BC
07
days
09
hours
13
minutes
03
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 500 - € 650
No bids placed
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 127923 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Ancient Egyptian sow amulet in red faience, Late Period (664–332 BC), 2.7 cm long and 2.2 cm high, in good condition, from a private collection in Germany (1960) and acquired in 2025.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Shabti Ushabti
Ancient Egypt, Late Period, 664 - 332 BC
Faience red
2,7 cm long and 2,2 cm height.
Provenance: Private collection, Germany, 1960.
Condition: Good, see photos.
Egyptian amulets in the shape of a sow made of faience are rare but meaningful objects within ancient material culture. Faience, a glazed non-clay ceramic material with a bright blue or green surface, was widely used in Egypt for small ritual and decorative items. Its luminous color symbolized regeneration, life, and protection, making it especially suitable for amulets.
The image of a sow in Egyptian belief could carry complex symbolism. Although pigs were sometimes viewed negatively in certain religious contexts, the sow was also associated with maternal qualities, fertility, and protection of offspring. In some interpretations, the sow was linked to cosmic symbolism and protective forces, especially in later periods. As an amulet, the small figure of a sow may have functioned as a charm connected to childbirth, nourishment, or maternal care.
These amulets were typically pierced to be worn as pendants or attached to necklaces. Their compact size allowed them to serve as personal protective objects in daily life. The bright glaze of faience enhanced their symbolic power, visually reinforcing themes of vitality and rebirth.
Overall, faience amulets shaped like a sow illustrate how even humble animals could carry layered religious and protective meanings in ancient Egyptian belief and artistic expression.
Seller's Story
IMPORTANT NOTES:
-We are a professional seller.
- All items sold will come with their professional invoice.
- All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity (warranty document), including the description, image and provenance of the item.
- All items will be shipped via private courier with insurance (DHL express, CORREOS of Spain, or other similar with tracking number).
- All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiques over 100 years old and their price valued.
- For shipping outside of EU: Delivery time subject to customs clearance. Liability and Customs Regulations or Import Requirements applicable in the destination country are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We are not responsible for delays caused by customs procedures. Import taxes and vat are not included in the shipping costs. The import tax or VAT payable depends on the country of destination. Payments of any taxes or any disputes with the Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer.
- For some of the items offered, for shipment outside the European Union it is necessary to obtain an Export Permit which will detail the payment by the buyer of Export Fees according to Spanish legislation. If it is necessary it will be mentioned in the description of the article, BECAUSE NOT IN ALL THE CASES IT IS LIKE THAT. These fees will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price and the tax rate is not applied directly on the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it: Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. From 6,001 to 60,000 euros: 10%.
This export permit application process can take between 1-2 months maximum.
- We guarantee that he acquired this piece according to all national and international laws related to the ownership of cultural property.
Translated by Google TranslateShabti Ushabti
Ancient Egypt, Late Period, 664 - 332 BC
Faience red
2,7 cm long and 2,2 cm height.
Provenance: Private collection, Germany, 1960.
Condition: Good, see photos.
Egyptian amulets in the shape of a sow made of faience are rare but meaningful objects within ancient material culture. Faience, a glazed non-clay ceramic material with a bright blue or green surface, was widely used in Egypt for small ritual and decorative items. Its luminous color symbolized regeneration, life, and protection, making it especially suitable for amulets.
The image of a sow in Egyptian belief could carry complex symbolism. Although pigs were sometimes viewed negatively in certain religious contexts, the sow was also associated with maternal qualities, fertility, and protection of offspring. In some interpretations, the sow was linked to cosmic symbolism and protective forces, especially in later periods. As an amulet, the small figure of a sow may have functioned as a charm connected to childbirth, nourishment, or maternal care.
These amulets were typically pierced to be worn as pendants or attached to necklaces. Their compact size allowed them to serve as personal protective objects in daily life. The bright glaze of faience enhanced their symbolic power, visually reinforcing themes of vitality and rebirth.
Overall, faience amulets shaped like a sow illustrate how even humble animals could carry layered religious and protective meanings in ancient Egyptian belief and artistic expression.
Seller's Story
IMPORTANT NOTES:
-We are a professional seller.
- All items sold will come with their professional invoice.
- All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity (warranty document), including the description, image and provenance of the item.
- All items will be shipped via private courier with insurance (DHL express, CORREOS of Spain, or other similar with tracking number).
- All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiques over 100 years old and their price valued.
- For shipping outside of EU: Delivery time subject to customs clearance. Liability and Customs Regulations or Import Requirements applicable in the destination country are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We are not responsible for delays caused by customs procedures. Import taxes and vat are not included in the shipping costs. The import tax or VAT payable depends on the country of destination. Payments of any taxes or any disputes with the Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer.
- For some of the items offered, for shipment outside the European Union it is necessary to obtain an Export Permit which will detail the payment by the buyer of Export Fees according to Spanish legislation. If it is necessary it will be mentioned in the description of the article, BECAUSE NOT IN ALL THE CASES IT IS LIKE THAT. These fees will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price and the tax rate is not applied directly on the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it: Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. From 6,001 to 60,000 euros: 10%.
This export permit application process can take between 1-2 months maximum.
- We guarantee that he acquired this piece according to all national and international laws related to the ownership of cultural property.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Ancient Egyptian
Century/timeframe
Late Period, 664 - 332 BC
Name of object
Sow amulet. 2,7 cm L. 664 - 332 BC
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Faience
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1960
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
