Egyptian Amarna Lapis Palmette Amulets

A selection of Egyptian amulets carved in the semi-precious stone, lapis lazuli, depicting a palmette. Each amulet is similarly carved on both sides, with a piercing through the top loop for suspension.

Date: Circa 1350 BC
Period: New Kingdom Amarna period
Condition: Fine condition.
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SKU: AS-1422 Category: Tag:

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.

The precise significance of the palmette is unknown, though plant imagery and amulets were typically symbolic of new life.

Lapis lazuli was considered a semi-precious stone and not found locally to the Egyptians. Its status and value derived in part from the fact that it had to be imported, most likely from Afghanistan. It was used as a material throughout ancient Egypt’s long dynastic history, including into the Amarna period.

The Amarna period relates specifically to the latter half of the 18th Dynasty, and to the reign of Tutankhamun’s father, Akhenaten, who altered the polytheistic Ancient Egyptian religion. The period saw the initial development of monotheistic religion, in which the sun-god Aten was worshipped above the other Egyptian gods.

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

 

 

Weight 1.07 g
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