A finely carved ancient Egyptian carnelian amulet designed in the form of a poppy seed head. The body displays a beautiful interplay of red and orange hues within the carnelian. The piece features a piercing at the top for suspension. The Egyptians wore amulets alongside other pieces of jewellery. They were decorative, but also served a practical purpose, being considered to bestow power and protection upon the wearer. Many of the amulets have been found inside the wrappings of mummies, as they were used to prepare the deceased for the afterlife. Poppy amulets were commonly made from carnelian, or red faience, to imitate the colour of the real flower. Alternatively, genuine poppy heads and flowers were strung together to be worn by the living, or used to adorn mummies. Poppy amulets are generally associated with resurrection, although their precise meaning remains unknown. Measurements: H 1.5cm x W 0.6cm Provenance: From a UK collection, 1920's-1940's.