Ancient Egyptian, New Kingdom Carnelian Fish Amulet Circa 1550-1069 BC This attractive carnelian fish amulet is cut as a flat plaque with pointed snout, and notched tail, the flanks detailed with incised dorsal and caudal fins, a circular eye and short vertical lines suggesting the gills, with a small perforation near the upper edge for suspension. In ancient Egypt, fish-shaped amulets, most often representing species such as the tilapia, catfish or Nile perch, were associated with fertility, regeneration and protection in the watery realm of the Nile. The tilapia in particular, noted for mouth-brooding and large numbers of offspring, symbolised rebirth and the continuous emergence of new life, so small faience or metal fish pendants were worn especially by women and children. As creatures of the river and marshes, fish also evoked safe passage through dangerous waters, both in daily life and in the journey through the afterlife, so fish amulets were sometimes included among burial equipment to safeguard the deceased and to link them symbolically to the life-giving, cyclical powers of the Nile. A similar example can be found in the Walters Art Museum, Accession Number 42.196. Dimensions: 2cm x 1cm x 0,5cm Provenance: Private European Collection; formerly acquired from old UK and European collection formed since the 1970s. Disclaimer: NO SHIPPING OUTSIDE of THE EUROPEAN UNION. All items will be shipped from Belgium. The seller guarantees and can prove that the object was obtained legally. The seller was informed by Catawiki that they had to provide the documentation required by the laws and regulations in their country of residence. The seller guarantees and is entitled to sell/export this object. The seller will provide all provenance information known about the object to the buyer. The seller ensures that any necessary permits are/will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer immediately about any delays in obtaining such permits. The seller will not ship outside the EU.