Hare

The Hare in Ancient Egypt


 * Egyptian Name:**

//Un// or //Sekhat//


 * Hieroglyphics:**





The ancient Egyptians associated the Cape Hare with alertness and watchfulness and the creature was sometimes pictured on headrests, as it was believed that the hare did not close its eyes when it slept and thus was always watchful. The hare was often depicted in hunting scenes, and the image of a hare was used as a decorative motif, especially on cosmetic holders. There is some evidence that the ancient Egyptians semi-domesticated hares and kept them in cages in order to fatten them for the table.

The animal was associated with the protective goddess Wenut. Hare-shaped amulets, made of gold, ivory, carnelian, bronze, silver, or faience, were quite popular during the Late Period. These amulets were worn to ensure that the wearer would be swift and alert and be able to escape from dangers of all sorts, and also functioned as a fertility charm. The hieroglyphic of a hare was used in words and phrases such as "running," "speed," "awareness," "stretch out," "exist," and "reality."

The Herbivores of Ancient Egypt