Ba amulet
Unknown Artist
664–332 B.C.
Medium
Lapis lazuli
Dimensions
H. 3/4 in.
Classification
Amulet, ba
Period
Late Period
Department
Egyptian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Helen Miller Gould, 1910
Accession Number
10.130.2087
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Ba amulet*, carved vibrant lapis lazuli during's Late Period (664–332 B.C., Dynasties 26–), captures the mystical essence of ancient Egyptian beliefs about the soul. Standing just 3/4 inch tall, it depicts the *ba*—a human-headed bird symbolizing one of the five parts of the soul, which could separate from the body to journey between the earthly realm and the afterlife. Such small amulets were potent protective charms, often placed on mummies or worn by the living to safeguard the spirit's freedom and mobility. Crafted from precious lapis lazuli, a deep blue stone imported fro...