A griffin, i.e. a winged sphinx, is a protective device symbolizing the king’s power. The wings appended to the lion may relate to the original identity of the sphinx, which was that of Horus of the Horizon, a falcon-headed god merged with the sun1. Griffin amulets are rare2
Green glazed steatite plaque
H 1.4, W 1.2, T 0.5
Early New Kingdom, inscribed with the prenomen of Ahmose I
MET #26.7.121
Glass inlay plaque L 1.9, H 1.7
Graeco-Roman Period
Christie’s, The Groppi Collection Sale 7758 lot 105, 26 April 2012
References
1See the description of MET #26.7.121
2Unpublished amulet