Miniature Cippus (magical stela) with Horus in profile wearing gazelle head on the forehead
Unknown Artist
ca. 712–332 B.C.
Medium
Anhydrite
Dimensions
H. 3.8 × W. 2.3 × D. 1.5 cm (1 1/2 × 7/8 × 9/16 in.)
Classification
Amulet, Cippus, profile Horus
Period
Third Intermediate Period–Late Period
Department
Egyptian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1957
Accession Number
57.143
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite miniature cippus, carved from soft anhydrite stone, stands just 3.8 cm tall and served as a powerful magical stela in ancient Egypt during Third Intermediate to Late Period (ca. 712–332 B.C.), spanning Dynasties 25–30. Depicting Horus in profile, adorned with a gazelle head on his forehead rare and intriguing iconographic detail—the god likely embodies protection against dangers like crocodiles, as suggested by associated imagery. These small, portable objects were inscribed or sculpted with protective spells, often placed in homes, worn as amulets, or used in healing rituals to...