ANCIENT EGYPT. LATE DYNASTY FAIENCE AMULET OF A FISH. 600-300 B.C

ANCIENT EGYPT. LATE DYNASTY FAIENCE AMULET OF A FISH. 600-300 B.C

A small Ancient Egyptian faience amulet in the shape of a Tilapia fish, dating to the Late Period. Tilapia were associated with rebirth and regeneration. Tilapia carry their young in their mouths. To the ancient observer, baby fish seemed to magically appear from the adult's mouth, reinforcing the idea of creation and rebirth. They were associated with the daily rebirth of the sun, especially through their link to solar gods like Hathor and Ra, since they often swam eastward at sunrise. Amulets like this one were often worn for protective purposes or placed among funerary goods to ensure safe rebirth in the afterlife.