Fish amulet

On this amulet forming the Nile tilapia fish (Tilapia nilotica), known in Arabic as the Bulti fish, the head of the fish, the scales marked with dots, and the long dorsal fin and tail, which are decorated with notches but are damaged, can be easily recognised. Although fish-shaped amulets can be found from the late Old Kingdom, they are quite common in the New Kingdom, when tilapia fish appear in many tomb scenes as well.

The fish mature early and have a high reproductive rate. The animal’s pronounced mouth was particularly important in this respect, as the tilapia belong to the mouth-brooding species and can produce hundreds of offspring by keeping them in their mouths for a long period. It was thus an important symbol of fertility and maternal care for the ancient Egyptians. Tilapia-shaped amulets ensured rebirth and regeneration.