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Details
LOT 0463
Egyptian Diorite Heart Amulet
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
1 1/4 in. (10.7 grams, 31 mm).
A large heart, ib, amulet of classic egg-form with shallow lugs on either side, with flared top and incised lines to one side.
Provenance
From an early 20th century collection.
Ex London, UK, gallery.
From a private UK collection
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Footnotes
According to ancient Egyptian beliefs, the heart (ib) was considered the centre of intelligence, emotions, and behaviour. It was also believed to store an individual's memories. During the Weighing of the Heart ceremony in the afterlife, the heart could speak on behalf of 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.
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RELATED LOTS
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Ex London, UK, gentleman's collection, 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
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Opening Bid: £250
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Egyptian Coptic Bone Items
3rd-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Comprising: a tapering plano-convex section body with D-shaped face, nose and mouth; tag or lace-end with carved female bust. 9.45 grams total, 32-43 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The smaller item is possibly the finial from a decorative hair pin (Cf. Petrie, W.M.F., Objects of Daily Use, Warminster, 1972, pl. XIX, no. 81, for a complete example).
