Ancient Egyptian magical stela on view at Swansea's Egypt Centre
A cippus, or magical stela, inscribed with ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, has gone on display at The Egypt Centre in Swansea as part of the exhibition 'Ancient Egypt: magic and medicine'. The artifact, on loan from the British Museum through a collaborative project, was believed to protect against animal dangers like lions and crocodiles. Protection required reciting spells from its back before desert or water journeys. Its front depicts the young god Horus triumphing over threats, standing on crocodiles and grasping desert creatures. Above Horus is the face of Bes, a protective deity associated with home safety.
Key facts
- The cippus is on display at The Egypt Centre in Swansea.
- The exhibition is titled 'Ancient Egypt: magic and medicine'.
- The artifact is part of a collaborative project between the British Museum and The Egypt Centre.
- The cippus was believed to protect against dangers from animals like lions and crocodiles.
- Protection was achieved by reciting spells inscribed on the back of the cippus.
- The front shows the young god Horus standing on crocodiles and grasping desert creatures.
- Above Horus appears the face of Bes, a protective deity.
- The spells were often recited before journeys through the desert or on water.
Entities
Institutions
- The Egypt Centre
- British Museum
Locations
- Swansea
- United Kingdom