View Cart (0) | My HJB | Sign In

HJB Home > Antiquities Home > The Fixed Price List > Scarabs > Inv. # aq13759

Egyptian Steatite Plaque New Kingdom, ca. 1550-1070 BC. An amuletic plaque, carved of steatite, in the shape of a Tilapia fish, reversing to an inscription, 'Amentet' meaning "the west" and referring to the funerary applications of this amulet. To the Egyptians, the west referred to the afterlife and to the direction of the afterlife. The Tilapia was believed to confer revitalization to the deceased, and was part of the equipment placed in tombs to aid and protect the mummy. A 'Neb' basket fills the composition, here placed upon its side and having the meaning of 'All' or 'Every.' In other contexts, the Tilapia was believed to protect the living and was worn as an amulet of protection against drowning. L. 13 mm.