Object Description
A fine Ancient Egyptian amulet carved from a warm, ochre-cream hardstone depicting the wedjat eye, or Eye of Horus. The amulet features the typical silhouette, combining human and falcon ocular imagery. The topmost horizontal line, protruding to a rectangular overhang, represents the brow. The sloping protrusion beneath portrays the corner of the almond-shaped eye. A tapering protrusion beneath the eye emulates similar markings found on falcons, and the amulet curves from the top of this to the rear to complete the shape. The top of the amulet features a ridged, rectangular protrusion, perforated for suspension. Both the obverse and reverse are smooth and unadorned, allowing the warm natural striations of the hardstone to decorate the surface. To the Ancient Egyptians, warm colours such as red and orange were associated with heat and danger, stemming from the contrast of the dry, red desert and its dangers against the dark, fertile land surrounding the Nile. The fiery colours of this amulet may invoke the vengeful protection of the solar eye of Re, the Sun God, which was the alternative side of the lunar eye of Horus.
Date: Circa 664-332 BC
Period: Late Period