Egyptian Hardstone Menkhet Counterpoise Amulet

£ 300.00

An Egyptian menkhet counterpoise amulet of attractive orange-brown hardstone speckled with black. The amulet flares outwards from rounded shoulders towards a flat base marked with short, vertical incisions. A short protrusion is visible at the top. The reverse of the amulet is flat and unadorned.

Date: Circa 1550-664 BC
Period: New Kingdom - Late Period
Provenance: Ex. Early 20th Century collection, UK
Condition: Very fine condition.

In stock

SKU: KW-49 Category:

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. Weighted pendants and counterpoises were common adornments for the Egyptians, featuring a variety of styles. The most common was the menat, symbolically associated with balance and stability, and often used by priestesses in religious ceremonies.

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

Weight 3.8 g
Dimensions L 2.2 x W 1.3 cm
Culture

Stone

Region

Reference: For a similar item,Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, item 72.1255

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