Αρχαία Αίγυπτος, τελευταία εποχή Lapis Lazuli Μενταγιόν καρδιάς (χωρίς τιμή ασφαλείας)

An Ancient Egyptian lapis lazuli 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, slighty convex in profile. Two pointed lug handles protrude from either side. To the top of the neck is a cylindrical lid surmounted by a knob perforated for suspension. The amulet features beautiful white and blue striations. The top of the amulet has been repaired with a deep horizontal crack still visible. Wear and earthy encrustations to the surface, particularly to one side.

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) L 1.8 cm x W 1.1 cm

Provenance: Ex. early 20th century U.K. collection

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