Ancient Egypt, Late Period Faience Eye of Horus Amulet (No Reserve Price)

An Ancient Egyptian green faience wedjat amulet, more commonly known as the Eye of Horus. The wedjat depicts a stylised eye combining human and falcon characteristics, including the eyebrow, cheek markings extending vertically from the pupil and a diagonal line curling outwards and ending in a spiral. The pupil is coloured with a layer of black glaze and the rest of the eye with a green glaze which has mostly worn off. The amulet is pierced horizontally for suspension.

Horus was one of the most significant Ancient Egyptian deities, most commonly depicted with the head of a falcon, and the body of a man. He was a sun and moon deity, with his right eye thought to represent the sun and the left the moon. The eye of Horus, also known as ‘Wedjat’, was an ancient symbol of protection, particularly for the afterlife, and was also used to deflect evil. For this reason, it was often worn or hung on the deceased at burial. This symbol was highly influential in Egyptian life, with ancient sailors painting the image on the bow of their vessels to ward off evil.

Measurements: L 2cm x W 1. 8cm

Provenance: The property of a deceased female collector, UK, bought from the 1930’s-70s.