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Details

LOT 0051

Egyptian Carnelian Heart Amulet

NEW KINGDOM, 1550-1070 B.C.

1 in. (5.27 grams, 26 mm).

A large heart, ib, amulet of classic egg-form with shallow lugs on either side with short flared top and tubular suspension loop.

Provenance

From an early 20th century collection London and Home Counties, UK.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Literature

Cf. Petrie, W.M.F., Amulets. Illustrated by the Egyptian Collection in University College, London, 1914, pl. I, nos.7a-p, for type; Andrews, C., and van Dijk, J., Objects for Eternity: Egyptian Antiquities from the W. Arnold Meijer Collection, Mainz am Rhein, 2006, p.128, no. 2.34a.

Footnotes

According to ancient Egyptian beliefs, the heart (ib) was considered to be the centre of intelligence, emotions, and behaviour. The heart was also believed to store an individual's memories. During the Weighing of the Heart ceremony in the afterlife, the heart could speak up for the deceased and account for their lifetime of actions before Osiris. For this reason, heart amulets were placed on the mummy to safeguard the organ and ensure a favourable outcome during judgment.

CONDITION

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LOT 0051

Egyptian Carnelian Heart Amulet

Sold for (Inc. bp): £780

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