Shu amulet
Unknown Artist
ca. 1295–1070 B.C.
Medium
Faience
Dimensions
H. 1.4 × W. 0.9 × D. 0.4 cm (9/16 × 3/8 × 3/16 in.)
Classification
Amulet, Shu
Period
New Kingdom, Ramesside
Department
Egyptian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1909
Accession Number
09.180.2381
Art Historical Context
This delicate faience amulet depicts Shu, the ancient Egyptian god of air and light from the New Kingdom's Ramesside period (. 1295–1070 B.C., Dynasties 19–20). Measuring just 1.4 cm high, it was likely worn as a personal protective charm, reflecting the era's deep integration of religion into everyday life. Crafted during a time of imperial grandeur under pharaohs like Ramesses, such small artifacts highlight the accessibility of divine protection beyond elite tombs. Shu played a vital role in Egyptian cosmology as the god who separated sky goddess Nut from earth god Geb, creating the space ...