An Ancient Egyptian carnelian amulet, finely carved in the shape of a heart, known as ‘ib’ in Egyptian hieroglyphs. Taking the form of a jar, the amulet features a rounded body, slightly convex in profile on one side. Two small lug handles protrude from either side. To the top, is a rectangular lid surmounted by a tubular knob, pierced horizontally for suspension, now partially blocked. Signs of wear as consistent with age, such as minor scratches and earthly encrustations. In Egyptian culture and mythology, the heart was perceived as the most important organ, the seat of intelligence that governed all feelings and actions, and housed a person’s memories. It was believed that the heart was weighed in the afterlife against a feather representing ma’at, an Egyptian concept of truth and justice, at the Weighing of the Heart Ceremony. If their heart weighed the same or less, they were worthy enough to proceed onto the afterlife, but if it weighed more, they were destroyed. These heart amulets were used exclusively for mummies, and would have been worn to provide the wearer with protection and to ensure a positive judgement. The amulet became so important that it was bestowed on every mummy until the end of the Pharaonic Period. Measurements (approx.): L 1.9cm, W 1.2cm Provenance: Ex. early 20th century U.K. collection.