A good-sized pale blue openwork faience amulet of the Eye of Horus, also known as the wedjat or udjat. The amulet has been mould-made and finely detailed to formed to form the traditional silhouette of the wedjat, which features both human and falcon imagery. The reverse is smooth and unworked. Pierced longitudinally for suspension.
Egyptian Third Intermediate to Late Dynastic period: Circa 1070-332 BC.
Fine condition generally. Broken and repaired from several pieces (no restoration), surface glaze miscoloured, most of the white paste surrounding the pupil now worn away.
Length 4.3 mms (1.7 ins)
Provenance: Ex London gallery; previously in a 1930's UK home-counties collection.
Literature: See pages 42-43 of Carol Andrews. Amulets of Ancient Egypt; University of Texas Press (1 Jan. 1994).
The Eye of Horus was a powerful symbol of protection in Ancient Egypt, representing healing, wholeness, and protection. Also known as the Wedjet, or Ujat, meaning 'Whole One' and the 'all seeing eye'. It was believed to have healing and protective power and was used as a protective amulet.