Shabti Ushabti Ancient Egypt, Late Period, 664 - 332 BC Faience red 2,7 cm long and 2,2 cm height. Provenance: Private collection, Germany, 1960. Condition: Good, see photos. Egyptian amulets in the shape of a sow made of faience are rare but meaningful objects within ancient material culture. Faience, a glazed non-clay ceramic material with a bright blue or green surface, was widely used in Egypt for small ritual and decorative items. Its luminous color symbolized regeneration, life, and protection, making it especially suitable for amulets. The image of a sow in Egyptian belief could carry complex symbolism. Although pigs were sometimes viewed negatively in certain religious contexts, the sow was also associated with maternal qualities, fertility, and protection of offspring. In some interpretations, the sow was linked to cosmic symbolism and protective forces, especially in later periods. As an amulet, the small figure of a sow may have functioned as a charm connected to childbirth, nourishment, or maternal care. These amulets were typically pierced to be worn as pendants or attached to necklaces. Their compact size allowed them to serve as personal protective objects in daily life. The bright glaze of faience enhanced their symbolic power, visually reinforcing themes of vitality and rebirth. Overall, faience amulets shaped like a sow illustrate how even humble animals could carry layered religious and protective meanings in ancient Egyptian belief and artistic expression.