Horus on the Crocodiles Egypt, Ptolemaic Dynasties, 305-30 B.C.E. Green stone, Height x width x depth: 20.3 x 12.5 x 4.1 cm (8 x 4 15/16 x 1 5/8 in.) Gift of Horace L. and Florence E. Mayer, C. Granville Way, Denman W. Ross, the Hon. Mrs. Fredrick E. Guest, Bequest from Charles H. Parker, 1908, and Anonymous Gift, by exchange 1992, MFA #1992.485 Photo ©Joan Ann Lansberry, 2014

"To counteract the bite of a poisonous snake, scorpion, or other dangerous creature, ancient Egyptians invoked the assistance of Horus, who had survived such perils as a child growing up in the Delta marshes. On this magical stele, Horus stands naked on a pair of crocodiles, holding four snakes, two scorpions, a lion, and gazelle by their tails. Above him like a guardian angel hovers the god Bes, protector of home and children. By drinking water poured over this stele, people hoped to gain protection against animal bites and dangerous forces generally." (From the info card) (Obviously, this magical water will work better if combined with thick sturdy shoes, and attention to where one is walking! (Perhaps they only had flimsy sandals those days?))

Cippus @ Brooklyn Museum

Cippus @ Freer Gallery