Horus the Child on Crocodiles in the Walters Art Museum, September 2009

Horus the Child on Crocodiles


Creator: Egyptian (Artist)

Period: 380-350 BC (Late Period)

Medium: black steatite (Sculpture)

Accession Number: 22.140

Measurements: 9 1/4 x 5 9/16 x 2 1/4 in. (23.5 x 14.1 x 5.7 cm)

Geographies: Egypt (Place of Origin)


Horus the Child stands on crocodiles and controls snakes, scorpions, an oryx, and a lion. Called a "cippus," this is a magical device believed to ward off poisonous and dangerous animals and to heal those who had been bitten or stung. Liquid would be poured over the "cippus" to absorb the strength of the images and spells and then be drunk by, or poured on, the afflicted.

Text from: art.thewalters.org/detail/18416/horus-the-child-on-crocod...