A small, blue-green glazed faience pottery temple pylon amulet, having an integral suspension loop at the top. To either side of the doorway is the Maat feather, the symbol for truth and justice which helped determine whether the deceased person had indeed been virtuous. If the heart was found to be heavier than the feather, it was fed to Ammut, the 'Devourer', and the soul was cast into darkness.
Late Dynastic period: Circa 664-332 BC.
Very fine condition.
Height 21.7 mms (0.85 ins)
Provenance: Collection of Dr. W. Benson Harer. With Anglo-American bookstore, Cairo 1940's. Imported to USA by Philip Mitry, ca. 1952-1952. Sold to Superior Gallery, LA. in 1976. Purchased by Dr. Harer 1975.
Published: Temple Tomb and Dwelling; item 96A. Exhibited: LACMA 1986-1991. Periodically at RRFMA, 1996-2024. El.01.208.1996.
In ancient Egypt, temple pylons, monumental gateways with a symbolic connection to the horizon, were often depicted on amulets, which were worn for protection and to symbolize the wearer's connection to the divine and the temple's sacred space.