A small black hardstone amulet, possibly haematite, in the shape 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 Dynastic period: Circa 664-332 BC.
Complete and intact, with a few rust-coloured accretions or mineral deposits.
Height 16 mms (0.6 ins).
Provenance: Ex London gallery; previously in a 1930's Home counties UK collection.
Reference: See Carol Andrews' Amulets of Ancient Egypt (London 1994) page 72
The Met Museum NY explains: 'For the ancient Egyptians, the heart (ib) was the source of intelligence, feelings, and actions. A person's memory was also housed in the heart and so at the judgment ceremony (Weighing of the Heart) in the afterlife, the heart was able to speak on behalf of the deceased, accounting to Osiris for a lifetime of deeds. Therefore, heart amulets were used on the mummy to protect the owner's organ and to ensure that his heart gave a positive response at judgment.'