Ancient Egyptian Gold Eye of Horus Amulet

£ 950.00

An Egyptian gold amulet in the shape of the Eye of Horus, or ‘wedjat’ amulet, with an unworked reverse. It features an almond-shaped pupil, with an elongated corner and braided eyebrow, which also extends horizontally. The cheek marking is rounded at the base and grooved. The final linear elongation extends from the corner of the eye diagonally and ends in a curl. The amulet combined elements of both human and falcon ocular imagery. The amulet is pierced longitudinally for suspension.

Date: Circa 664-332 BC
Period: Late Dynastic Period
Provenance: Acquired on the French art market in the early 20th century.
Condition: Very fine condition

SOLD

SKU: CY-16 Category: Tag:

The god Horus was often associated with a falcon in ancient Egyptian religion. Its ancient Egyptian name, Wedjat, means “the one that is sound.” In Egyptian mythology Horus’ eye was injured or stolen by the god Seth and then restored by Thoth. The Eye of Horus, is one of the most recognizable and powerful symbols from ancient Egypt. It was believed to have healing and protective power and was used as a protective amulet. Amulets in this shape were very popular in ancient Egypt for thousands of years, from the Old Kingdom to Roman times. They were worn by the living and also buried with the dead, as their apotropaic significance suited both.

To discover more about amulets in ancient Egypt, please visit our relevant blog post: Egyptian Amulets and their Meanings

Weight 0.4 g
Dimensions L 1.1 x W 0.8 cm
Culture

Egyptian Mythology

Metal

Region

Reference: For similar:The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

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