Ancient Egyptian Hematite Square Amulet. H: 20 mm

Square Amulet Ancient Egyptian Late Period, 664 - 323 BC Hematit Height 15 mm CONDITION: Good Condition PROVENANCE: Private collection, G. C. , Paris. From the inventory of the Parisian gallery "La Reine Margot" judicially dissolved. DOCUMENTS: Provided of export license issued by the Ministy of Culture. DESCRIPTION: The amulet takes the form of two square-sectioned rods of unequal length; they meet at a right angle. The set-square and the often accompanying plummet (or plumb-line) are carpenter’s tools used to check vertically. Both are rather unusual in the realm of Egyptian amulets. Amulets in Ancient Egypt were both decorative and practical, as they were considered as having apotropaic powers to protect or bestow power upon the wearer. Not only worn by the living, amulets have been found inside the wrappings of mummies, as they were used to prepare the deceased for the afterlife. Amulets held different meanings, depending on their type or form. Small amulets depicting gods and goddesses seem to have induced the protective powers of the deity. On the other hand, small representations of anatomical features or creatures suggest that the wearer required protection over a specific body part, or that he/she desired the skills of a particular animal. Amulets depicting animals were very common in the Old Kingdom Period, whilst representations of deities gained popularity in the Middle Kingdom. Notes: - The piece includes authenticity certificate. - The piece includes Spanish Export License (Passport for European Union) . - The seller guarantees that he acquired this piece according to all national and international laws related to the ownership of cultural property. Provenance statement seen by Catawiki.