An Egyptian turquoise faience amulet of the god Thoth. He is depicted striding forward with both arms by his side and his fists clenched. He wears a short kilt and tripartite wig and is shown with the head of an ibis. The details are intricately rendered, from his facial features and the ridge of his beak to the folds in his drapery. The figure leans against a back pillar on the reverse, pierced horizontally through the upper section for suspension. The bottom part of the amulet, which would have included the feet of the god and the base, is broken off. Earthy encrustations visible to the surface. 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. The god Thoth is known as the keeper and recorder of all knowledge, and as the inventor of language. Ma’at, his wife, is the Egyptian concept of truth, balance, order, law, morality, and justice. Thoth is often depicted as a man with the head of a baboon or ibis, as these animals were scared to him. He is usually shown as an ape in underworld settings, whereas he features in paintings and carvings predominantly as an ibis. Measurements: L 1.9cm x W 0.6cm Provenance: Ex. early 20th century U.K. collection