A fine ancient Egyptian silver amulet in the shape of a poppy head, featuring a long straight neck, a spherical body and a thin circular base, which is indented over time. At the top is loop ring for suspension. Earthly encrustation cover much of the surface. Poppy or thistle amulets were representative of healing and the removal of pain. Thistles were common all over Egypt, but especially around the Nile. It is thought that they were peeled and boiled before consumption, with the thistle used in some parts of the world as a herbal treatment for hepatic disorders. If, on the other hand, the amulet is intended to represent a poppy, the piece retains symbolic significance. Indeed, there is evidence for the extraction of morphine from poppies in the ancient world. Measurements: W 0.6 cm x H 1.7 cm, Weight: 1.13g Provenance: From a UK collection, 1920's-1940's.