An incredible ancient Egyptian amethyst 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 triangular body, slightly convex in profile. To the top of the neck is a cylindrical lid surmounted by a ridged loop, perforated for suspension (now blocked). Beautiful translucency to the stone. Some internal hairline cracks to the stone but very stable. An exceptionally large example. In Egyptian culture and mythology, the heart was perceived as the most important organ, the seat of intelligence that decided all feelings and actions, housing all the memories of a person. 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 would have been worn as protection for the beholder’s in death, used exclusively for mummies, 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: (circa) L3.1 cm x W 1.8cm Provenance: Ex. early 20th century U.K. collection N.B. Delivery may be longer due to the busier period and we do not guarantee delivery before Christmas. Items paid for after the 19th December will be shipped after the New Year (week commencing on the 5th January 2026). **There will be an additional fee incurred for returned shipments due to buyer’s non-response to customs enquiries and/or unsuccessful delivery attempts.**