Egyptian Alabaster Pesesh-kef Amulet

£ 225.00

An Egyptian amulet carved from alabaster, featuring natural striations of white, cream and brown. The amulet tapers from a wide, flat base to a pointed tip with wings protruding on either side near the top. The obverse of the amulet is flat and features a vertical, linear incision running through the centre, deeper towards the edges. Three linear incisions run horizontally across the neck. Diagonal incisions line the connection of the wings to the body. The reverse of the amulet is smooth and slightly convex. The shape and markings imply this amulet could be a pesesh-kef amulet, a ritual instrument used in the ‘Opening of the Mouth Ceremony’ which granted the deceased the ability of physical faculties in the afterlife.

Date: Circa 664-332 BC
Period: Late Period
Provenance: Ex. Early 20th Century collection, UK
Condition: Very good condition.

In stock

SKU: KW-45 Category: Tags: ,

The ‘Opening of the Mouth Ceremony’ was an important ritual, occurring at the very end of the mummification process. A number of amuletic tools were used by priests to symbolically open the deceased’s mouth, eyes and ears – the seats of the senses. The pesesh-kef, romanised from “psš-kf” and also referred to as the “fishtail knife”, opened the mouth specifically and connected it with the communication of the gods. The Book of the Dead includes three spells (21-23) concerning the ritual.

The Egyptians wore amulets alongside other pieces of jewellery. They were decorative, but also served a practical purpose, being considered to bestow power and protection upon the wearer. Many of the amulets have been found inside the wrappings of mummies, as they were used to prepare the deceased for the afterlife.

To find out more about Ancient Egyptian amulets please see our relevant blog post: Egyptian Amulets and their Meanings.

Weight 3.4 g
Dimensions L 3.1 x W 1.9 cm
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Region

Reference: For a similar item,The Bonhams, London, 21st April 2005, lot 468

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