Head of a cobra,

Head of a cobra, Dynasty 12–13 (ca. 1981–1640 b.c.)
Egyptian; Lisht North
Carnelian
Rogers Fund, 1909 (09.180.2455)

The cobra, a common inhabitant of the Nile River's floodplain, has a deadly bite. Wearing an amulet in the form of a cobra's head would have been considered an effective way to prevent an attack, an event feared by both the living and the dead. Amulets like this one were made for use in the afterlife.


Met Museum

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