Ancient Egyptian Crystal Khnum Amulet - New Kingdom | Divine Ram's Head Symbol

This exquisite Ancient Egyptian crystal amulet, carved into the head of the god Khnum, hails from the New Kingdom era between the 16th Century BCE and 11th Century BCE. Khnum's depiction with a ram's head signifies one of Egypt's earliest domesticated sheep breeds, resonating with antiquity and worship. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, this amulet graced a UK private collection and was curated by A.A. Gallery.

We present a remarkable artifact from the zenith of Egyptian civilization — a crystal amulet representing Khnum, the god of the source of the Nile River, traditionally sculpted with the head of a ram. The amulet's dimensions, 13mm by 12mm and 6mm in height, with a weight of 0.94 grams, reflect a miniature yet mighty representation of divine power.

The amulet's craftsmanship is indicative of the high regard for Khnum, a deity associated with creation, the inundation of the Nile, and fertility. It is believed that Khnum crafted the bodies of children on his potter's wheel and placed them in their mother's womb. Thus, such amulets were often worn for protection and blessing, particularly concerning fertility and creation.

The clarity and precision of the carving, combined with the exceptional condition of this crystal, underscore the artifact's rarity. The material choice of crystal is also significant, as Egyptians believed such stones to be eternal ice and attributed to them protective properties and a connection to the divine.

Provenance is a crucial aspect of this amulet's history. It comes with a certificate of authenticity and was part of a private UK collection, having been collected before 1970. Later, it was under the stewardship of the renowned A.A. Gallery in the UK, adding to its historical trail and ensuring its legitimacy.