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, 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. This is an amulet of the left eye, associated with the moon, while the right eye was a symbol of the sun. The different parts of the eye including the pupil, eyebrow and teardrop were thought to represent different senses and abilities, such as sight, touch, and thought. Amulets of the Eye of Horus derive from the mythical conflict between Horus and Set, his uncle, who tore out and destroyed one of his eyes. The eye was subsequently healed by Thoth, god of the moon, wisdom and knowledge, and returned to Horus. Horus offered the eye to his father, Osiris, sustaining him in the afterlife through the eye’s restorative and revitalising power. The eye thus became a symbol of protection, healing and wholeness, used in burials to aid in the afterlife. The Eye of Horus symbol was a central part of the bracelet found on the mummy of Shoshenq II, attesting to the belief in its protective power during the afterlife.
To find out more about Ancient Egyptian amulets please see our relevant blog post: Egyptian Amulets and their Meanings: Ancient Egyptian Gods.
