Miniature Magical Stela Of God Horus-Child Standing On Crocodiles Protected Against Wild And Poisonous Creatures

A. Sutherland  - AncientPages.com - The place of origin of this miniature basalt stela is unknown.

This type of amulet as a 'stela' was prevalent in the late and Ptolemaic-Roman periods. It was used as amulets, healing and protecting properties against wild animals and other harmful creatures.

A Stela of Horus-Child standing on crossed crocodiles. Image credit: H.S.K.Bakry  

In ancient Egyptian myths, the goddess Isis raised his child Horus and had to hide in the marshes from his enemy, Seth.

Cippi (magical stelae) represent Horus's healing from poisonous scorpion stings and snakebites in the marshes. Egyptians believed a liquid poured over a magical stela could absorb and transfer the power of the stela's spells and images to the worshipper.

They appeared in Egypt during the 18th Dynasty (ca. 1550-1295 BC) and were continuously used until the Roman Period.

Miniature basalt stela showing Horus-the-child is an example of this kind of art, generally known as 'Horus cippi' (Horus Stelae). On its front side is a depiction of the god Horus as a child standing on the backs of two crossed crocodiles.

The god Bes-mask is above Horus' head, which is badly damaged on this particular stela. In his right hand, he holds two serpents, a scorpion and an antelope. In his left hand are two snakes, a scorpion and a lion. All these figures are carved in bas-relief.

Cippus of Horus on the Crocodiles, 3rd century B.C.E. Steatite, 9 1/8 x 5 5/16 x 2 3/16 in. (23.2 x 13.5 x 5.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum

On the stela's right side, we recognize the falcon of Horus standing on a papyrus flower: the falcon is wearing a two-feathered crown and on the left is a papyrus plant surmounted by a double plume.

The amulet's front side is also decorated with demons, deities, and magical figures. The reverse side of the stela is covered with four columns of incised hieroglyphic inscription.

Most Horus stelae are portable amulets. This stela-amulet is very small (h: 8.7 cm, w: 5.1 cm, d: 2.3 cm), but many others were available in various sizes.

Archaeologists discovered hundreds of similar examples of Horus stelae, made of various materials including stone, marble, wood, and faience. Inscribed with magical or /and religious text, they vary in size.

Written by - A. Sutherland  - AncientPages.com Senior Staff Writer

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