A pale orange banded carnelian amulet in the shape of the heart-shaped hieroglyph that takes the form of a jar with lug handles, known as 'Ib' in Egyptian. The amulet has a small integral suspension loop at the top.
Egyptian Late New Kingdom period: Circa 1250-950 BC.
Very Fine condition complete and intact; a few minor earthy accretions on the surface and signs of wear.
Height 17.8 mms (0.7 ins)
Provenance: Ex London gallery; previously in a 1930's Home counties UK collection.
"The ancient Egyptians regarded the heart as the source of human intellect, memory, conscience, and passions. Believed to embody one's true character, the heart was weighed on the balance of the Court of the Underworld to ascertain if the owner was worthy of being reborn in the afterlife. Heart amulets were part of the amulet set of the deceased beginning in the New Kingdom. The meaning of such heart amulets may be that of a substitute for the real heart. Several spells from "The Book of the Dead" deal with the danger that could arise if the heart was taken away from a person, or damaged; it was thought that such a separation could destroy his/her existence in the afterlife."