Ram's-Head Amulet
c.770–657 BC, 25th Dynasty, Gold 4.2 x 3.6 cm
This amulet was probably made for a necklace worn by one of the Kushite
kings. Representations show these pharaohs wearing a ram's-head amulet
tied around the neck on a thick cord, the ends of which fall forward
over the shoulders. Sometimes a smaller ram's head is attached to each
end. Rams were associated with the god Amun, particularly in Nubia,
where he was especially revered.
The Nubians were superb goldsmiths,
as demonstrated by the workmanship of this amulet.
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