Amulet of the goddess Tueris. Ancient Egypt, Late Period, 664–323 B.C.

Amulet of the goddess Tueris. Ancient Egypt, Late Period, 664–323 B.C.
Carved limestone with traces of gold leaf.
Provenance: V.D.W. private collection, Hoofddorp, Netherlands. Acquired prior to 1983.
In good condition. The lower part of the Isis knot is missing. It has a fracture line, professionally restored, at the level of the thighs.
Measurements: 6.8 cm high.

This amulet depicts Tueris—Taweret—a protective deity particularly associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and early childhood. Its iconography combines features of various animals considered powerful: the head and body of a hippopotamus, feline limbs, and a crocodile’s tail, creating a hybrid appearance intended to ward off harmful forces. During the Late Period, her image continued to be widely used in personal amulets and funerary contexts.

The figure is depicted in a frontal, compact pose, with a prominent belly and arms extended alongside the body. On the front of the torso is a partially lost protective emblem, while the cylindrical element above the head would have served to suspend the piece. The carving, concise yet expressive, carefully defines the muzzle, mane, and limbs—essential features for identifying the goddess.

Particularly noteworthy is the preservation of traces of gold leaf on the chest and over the central motif. This finish, unusual compared to the numerous Tueris amulets made of faience, underscores the valuable nature of this specimen and would have visually reinforced its symbolic efficacy. Depictions of the goddess in precious materials are known from the Late Period, such as the gold amulet preserved at the Brooklyn Museum.