Ancient Egyptian Faience Sow Amulet Circa 664-332 BC This nice faience amulet depicts the goddess Nut in the form of a sow. The animal stands on four short legs atop a flat integral base, with an arched body and head bent forward as if eating. At the back, a suspension loop is affixed, making it possible to wear as a pendant. Nut was an ancient Egyptian goddess of the sky and one of the most important deities in the Egyptian pantheon. She was often depicted as a woman arched over the earth, her body adorned with stars, symbolising the night sky. Nut was believed to be the daughter of the air god Shu and the moisture goddess Tefnut, and she was the sister and wife of Geb, the earth god. Together, they were the parents of some of the most significant gods in Egyptian mythology, including Osiris, Isis, Set, and Nephthys. Nut was revered for her role in the daily rebirth of the sun god Ra. Each night, she would swallow Ra, who would travel through her body and be reborn at dawn. This cycle was seen as a symbol of regeneration and eternal life, and it underscored Nut's importance in maintaining the cosmic order. Her protective nature extended to the deceased, as she was often depicted on the ceilings of tombs, enveloping the dead with her starry body to safeguard them on their journey to the afterlife. Nut was sometimes depicted as a sow, a symbol of fertility and motherhood, further reinforcing her role as a nurturer and protector.Nut was revered for her role in the daily rebirth of the sun god Ra. Each night, she would swallow Ra, who would travel through her body and be reborn at dawn. This cycle was seen as a symbol of regeneration and eternal life, and it underscored Nut's importance in maintaining the cosmic order. Her protective nature extended to the deceased, as she was often depicted on the ceilings of tombs, enveloping the dead with her starry body to safeguard them on their journey to the afterlife. Nut was sometimes depicted as a sow, a symbol of fertility and motherhood, further reinforcing her role as a nurturer and protector. Dimensions: 3cm x 2cm x 1cm 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.