Egyptian Blue Faience Wedjat Amulet

£ 175.00

An Egyptian blue faience amulet depicting a wedjat eye, or Eye of Horus. The eye itself features an almond-shaped exterior with a circular iris to the centre and remnants of black and white pigmentation in the sclera. A black, horizontal, linear line indicates the eyebrow, which extends across the top edge of the amulet. The cheek marking is a vertical rectangular protrusion. An elongation curls from the base of the eye and meets at the outer edge. The amulet combines elements of both human and falcon ocular imagery. The reverse of the amulet is flat and unadorned. The amulet is pierced longitudinally for suspension.

Date: Circa 664 - 332 BC
Period: Late Period
Provenance: Ex. Early 20th Century collection, UK
Condition: Good condition, signs of wear consistent with age.

SOLD

SKU: KW-38 Category: Tags: , ,

The wedjat, as the Eye of Horus, is one of the most popular amulets of ancient Egypt. The amulet combines elements of both human and falcon ocular imagery, as Horus was often depicted as a falcon. Its name comes from the ancient Egyptian ‘wḏꜣt’, meaning “the one that is complete”. The wedjat was highly apotropaic and associated with a number of Egyptian myths. The eye depicted could be either left or right, representing different imagery. Horus’ left eye was the sun and the right eye was considered the moon. In one creation myth, Horus’ eye was injured or stolen by the god Seth and then restored by Thoth. Hence the wedjat eye was thought to possess healing powers and symbolise regeneration. This healing and regenerative association is further enhanced by the properties of the lunar eye of Horus. As it waxes and wanes like the moon, it is thought to bring health and safety to its wearer. In another myth, Horus presents his healed eye to his father Osiris, to help him pass safely into his afterlife. Hence wedjat eye amulets were commonly placed within mummy wrappings to help the dead to help them pass safely into the afterlife.

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

Weight 2.5 g
Dimensions L 2 x W 1.6 x H 1.9 cm
Culture

Egyptian Mythology

Faience

Region

Reference: For a similar item, National Museums Liverpool, item 20.11.84.68

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