Seal amulet in the shape of hedgehog

Art Historical Context

This charming seal amulet, shaped like a hedgehog, to Egypt's Late Period (664–380 B.C.), specifically Dynasties 26–29. Crafted from faience—a glazed ceramic made from quartz paste that mimics the vibrant blue of precious lapis lazuli—it measures just 1.3 cm high, 1.6 cm long, and 0.9 cm wide. tiny objects were both practical seals for marking documents or goods and powerful talismans worn for protection. In ancient Egyptian culture, amulets like this embodied magical properties, safeguarding the owner from harm or aiding in the afterlife. The hedgehog form likely drew on the animal's real-li...