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.
Egyptian Green Stone Wedjat Amulet
£ 495.00
An exceptionally fine ancient Egyptian amulet formed from a vibrant green hardstone depicting the wedjat, or Eye of Horus. The amulet displays the typical silhouette, combining human and falcon ocular features. The obverse is adorned with intricate anatomical carving, including hatched chevrons over the brow and cosmetic line and vertical incisions to the cheek marking. A circular pupil features within the almond-shaped eye, from the base of which a ridge leads to a spiral at the rear. The stone displays a beautiful light green colouration, speckled with white and cream striations and natural patches of darker green towards the top. The reverse is smooth and unworked. The amulet is perforated longitudinally for suspension.
Period: Late Dynastic Period
Condition: Very fine. Minor scratches and earthy encrustations consistent with age. The colour and engraving are exceptionally well preserved.
SOLD
| Weight | 1.99 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | L 2.1 x W 0.3 x H 1.3 cm |
| Culture | |
| Region | |
| Egyptian Mythology | |
| Stone |
