Magic wand ca. 1850–1640 Middle Kingdom Wands such as this were a common feature in burials of the late Middle Kingdom. This one shows signs of wear on one tip, suggesting that it was used over a period of time before being placed in the tomb. The wand is decorated on one side with the figures of protective deities most of whom carry knives to ward off evil wands, like this one, and are inscribed on the front with the words "protection by day" and "protection by night." Another wand in the collection () has a longer inscription on the back. The texts indicat
Magic wand ca. 1850–1640 Middle Kingdom Wands such as this were a common feature in burials of the late Middle Kingdom. This one shows signs of wear on one tip, suggesting that it was used over a period of time before being placed in the tomb. The wand is decorated on one side with the figures of protective deities most of whom carry knives to ward off evil wands, like this one, and are inscribed on the front with the words "protection by day" and "protection by night." Another wand in the collection () has a longer inscription on the back. The texts indicate that the wands were used to defend infants against malign forces, perhaps by scratching a circle in the earth around the area where they slept. Having provided defense against illness during life, after death the wands were placed in the tomb to ensure the continued protection of the deceased's spirit in its eternal Magic wand. ca. 1850–1640 Ivory: Hippopotamus. Middle Kingdom. From Egypt, Memphite Region, Lisht North, Tomb of Nakht (493), brick building east, Pit 475, MMA excavations, 1913–14. Dynasty 12, late–early 13
Size: 2000px × 1125px
Photo credit: © MET/BOT / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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