The Art and Science of Healing: From Antiquity to the Renaissance

The Art and Science of Healing: From Antiquity to the RenaissanceThe Art and Science of Healing: From Antiquity to the Renaissance

Uterine Amulet

Uterine Amulet (recto) Uterine Amulet (verso)

Harpocrates, Ouroborus, cupping vessel In Greek Carnelian, yellow to orange 29 x 23 x 4 mm 1st–5th c. AD Egypt SCL-Bonner 19

This gemstone contains the standard metaphorical representation of the functions of the uterus. The divine child Horus/Harpocrates symbolizes a fully formed embryo ready to be born. With a disk on his head and right hand to his lips, he sits on a pot with the mouth downward which, resembling a medical cupping vessel for bloodletting, represents the womb.