An ancient Egyptian turquoise faience amulet of Isis. The deity is depicted standing with her arms at her side. She wears a tight fitting dress and tripartite wig with the solar-disc and bull horns crown placed on top. She is supported by a column behind her, perforated horizontally near the top for suspension. Encrustations and signs of wear as consistent with age, such as surface pitting, scratches, and chips. 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 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 secret cult of Isis in the Roman Empire received frequent mention in literature. Measurements: (circa) L 3cm x W 0.7cm Provenance: Ex. UK Collection 1920s – 1940s.