An Egyptian amulet of the air god Shu, made from turquoise faience. He is depicted kneeling with both of his arms raised and bent at the elbows at a ninety-degree angle to hold a sun disc over his head. He is supported by a column behind him, perforated horizontally near the top for suspension. The god is depicted in a highly stylistic manner. Some earthly encrustations, pitting and chips to the surface and edges. The Egyptians wore amulets alongside other pieces of jewellery. They were decorative, but also served a practical purpose, being considered to bestow power and protection upon the wearer. Many of the amulets have been found inside the wrappings of mummies, as they were used to prepare the deceased for the afterlife. In Egyptian mythology Shu was the god of air, wind and the serenity associated with such elements. In the Heliopolitan creation myth Shu separates the sky from the Earth, initiating the creation of life. His kneeling representation, as an amulet, alludes to this myth. The sun disc seen between the raised arms represents the vast sky. He was also depicted iconographically wearing an ostrich feather and was often associated with Ma’at (truth). Measurements: (circa) L 2.3cm x W 1.1cm Provenance: Ex. early 20th century UK collection