An ancient Egyptian carnelian amulet in the shape of lioness's head, depicting either Sekhmet or Bastet. The triangular face features a segmented mouth, high cheekbones, wide nose and rounded ears. The face is framed on the bottom with a collar-shaped mane. A suspension loop features at the top, between the lioness's ears. Some surface pitting and scratches as consistent with age. Amulets were popular in Ancient Egypt, and were worn by the living or buried with the dead. The common word for amulet in the dynastic period was mkt, which means protector: amulets were designed to protect their owners. The goddess Bastet was considered to be the daughter of Ra, the sun god, and was originally shown with the features of a lion up until about 1000 BC when she started being portrayed as a cat or human with a cat head. Bastet amulets would have been worn particularly by women not only to place themselves under her patronage, but also in the hope that the wearer might be endowed with the goddess’ fecundity. Measurements: L 1.6cm x W 1.1cm Provenance: Ex. UK Collection 1920s – 1940s.