An ancient Egyptian yellow faience amulet in the form of Isis. She is depicted seated on a throne, holding her infant son Horus in her lap. She wears a crown with a sun disc between two horns. There is a dorsal pillar at the back, which is pierced through the middle for suspension. Signs of wear as consistent with its age, such as surface pitting and wear to the details of the amulet. Encrustations and some discolouration to the surface. 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. Isis is often shown in the pose of nursing her son, Horus, as it reflects her role as life-giver and protector. She is the goddess most commonly associated with birth and creation, on account of her role in the Osirian myth. The goddess enjoyed widespread worship, which extended beyond the confines of Egypt – indeed, the cult of Isis in the Roman Empire received frequent mention in literature. Measurements: (circa) H 3.2cm x L 1.5cm x W 1.1cm Provenance: Ex. early 20th century U.K. collection