Late Period, Circa 664-332 BC A large Ancient Egyptian composition amulet of the goddess Taweret made from turquoise faience. She is depicted typically as a hippopotamus, complete with pendulous breasts and a pregnant belly. Her limbs are those of a feline, most likely a lion and her long tail represents a Nile crocodile. There is a large suspension loop to the top of the amulet. In ancient Egypt, amulets were believed to have positive properties, that magically, would bestow upon its owner and wearer. Throughout Egypt’s long history, people wore amulets to avoid disease and other forms of misfortunate. Amulets were used as a magical talisman to ensure well-being and good fortune. Amulets were made in huge abundance and were inexpensive to most when crafted in faience, which was available to nearly everyone. However, other forms of amulets were made of expensive materials such as gold, silver and semi-precious stones, which were believed to be more durable and everlasting. Thoeris, also known as ‘Tawaret’ was an Egyptian deity who attended women in childbirth, and became a patron for pregnant women accordingly. She is often shown standing as a heavily pregnant hippopotamus with low hanging stomach. She was a household deity with no temple dedicated to her, but some form of shrine was in almost every house. Many women carried an amulet like this to assist them with labour and child rearing. From the new Kingdom onwards she was often depicted together with Bes, another apotropaic deity associated with women and children. Carol Andrews; Amulets of Ancient Egypt for similar. William Flinders Petrie; Amulets.Size: L:48mm / W:18mm ; 9.05gProvenance: From the collection of a London gentleman; formerly acquired in early 2000s; previously in 1970s UK collection.