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)

Anubis, Isis-Tyche, Ouroboros, cupping vessel Hematite, black 15 x 12 x 2 mm 1st–5th c. AD Egypt Maurice Nahman. KM 26056

On the obverse we see Ouroboros surrounding a uterus symbol: the downward pot with the key. The ligaments and fallopian tubes are included. Above the uterus, on the left, we see Anubis as a mummy. On the right is Isis wearing a long robe, crowned, and holding a scepter in her right hand, while her left hand is holding a cornucopia. On the reverse is a four-line Greek inscription: ορωρ|ιουθ|ορωρ|ιουθ, followed by a line of characters.