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Details
LOT 0527
Egyptian Hardstone Headrest Amulet
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
1/2 in. (1.14 grams, 12 mm).
Carved miniature headrest with rectangular base. [No Reserve]
Provenance
Ex Constable collection, 1990s.
Ex Ancient & Oriental, UK.
Ex P. Morris collection.
Accompanied by an old photograph and a previous catalogue cutting.
Literature
Cf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, p. 94, fig. 95d, for a similar example.
Footnotes
The headrest, or weres amulet, was placed under the mummy's head to protect it from damage, and so ensure their rebirth. Most are made of haematite, though other materials, such as faience, were sometimes used. The headrest’s role is specified in Chapter 166 of the Book of the Dead. By the Late Period, they were attached to or inserted into the mummy wrappings.
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