A blue faience openwork amulet of the Eye of Horus (also known as the wedjat, or udjat). The amulet has been mould-made to formed to form the traditional silhouette of the wedjat, which features both human and falcon imagery. The reverse is plain and unworked. Pierced longitudinally for suspension.
 
Egyptian Third Intermediate period: Circa 1070-332 BC.
 
Fine condition: complete and intact; the surface glaze has deteriorated in places allowing for a thin layer of blight brown coloured accretions.
Length 34.3 mms (1.35 ins).
 
Provenance: Ex London gallery; previously in a 1930's UK home-counties collection of a lady.
 
Literature: See pages 42-43: Amulets of Ancient Egypt: Carol Andrews.
 
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.
 
See our blog post on amulets