An Egyptian Steatite Frog Seal Amulet, New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty, ca. 1550 - 1295 BCE

carved from steatite, the frog, with its prolific breeding habits, symbolized fecundity for the living, particularly for women.   In addition, the Egyptians believed the frog had spontaneous generation and was self-creating. During the New Kingdom, a frog was sometimes used to write 'repeating life,' a term used after the name of the deceased that symbolized the promise of rebirth, reinforced here by the underside, which is incised with the head of the powerful goddess Hathor.  Dimensions:  Length: 1.5 cm (0.59 inches) Condition:  Overall intact and in very good condition, a lovely example. Provenance:  Private Maryland collection of a diplomat, acquired while serving in Egypt between 1949 and 1956, and then by descent.