GLAZED FAIENCE WEDJAT EYE

£275.00

Measurements: 2.1 cm − height, 2.6 cm − width

Description: A glazed turquoise faience Wedjat eye, decorated on one side and with a large hole pierced through the piece longitudinally for suspension. The eyeball has been rendered in black pigment. In Egyptian mythology Horus's eye was injured or stolen by the god Seth and then restored by Thoth. These Wedjat eyes are a thus symbol of restoration, healing, sacrifice and protection. Additionally, Horus was considered the counterpart of the living pharaoh, since the god was one of the principal and most powerful gods in Egyptian religion. Amulets in the shape of the eye were very popular in ancient Egypt for thousand of years, from the Old Kingdom to Roman times. They were worn by the living and also buried with the dead, as their apotropaic significance suited both. The back of the amulet is plain. Suitable for modern wear.

Reference: The Metropolitan Museum

Period: Third Intermediate Period, 1070-664 BC

Condition: Very fine, intact, shiny glaze present over the whole, with minor encrustations and one chip to the right side of the suspension hole.