Shu

Description Shu, the son of the creator and sun god in the Heliopolitan creation myth, represents the principle of air. Together with his consort, Tefnut- the principle of moisture, as well as Geb (earth) and Nut (sky), he was one of the first deities. Shu was responsible for separating Geb and Nut and securing the space of the universe; therefore he also represented the life principle. Amulets of Shu became popular in the Late Period. This amulet represents Shu in his standardized form. He is kneeling on his right knee with his left knee drawn up. Both arms are raised (to lift up the sky), and he wears a long wig and a pleated kilt.

Conservation

Date	Description	Narrative
7/23/1959	Treatment	cleaned
4/20/1977	Treatment	cleaned
7/30/1998	Examination	examined for condition

Provenance Henry Walters, Baltimore [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters