Ancient Egypt, Third Intermediate Period Faience Wedjat Amulet in Gold Mount






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Ancient Egyptian Wedjat amulet in a modern gold mount, made of yellow faience, dating to the Third Intermediate Period (circa 1069–664 BC), with dimensions about 1.4 cm by 1.1 cm and a weight of 0.86 g, perforated for suspension and set in a ribbed gold pendant mount, in fair condition with provenance from a private collection and the Prince Sheikh Al Thani collection (1990s–2014).
Description from the seller
An Ancient Egyptian yellow faience amulet depicting the wedjat, or Eye of Horus, set in a modern gold mount. The wedjat depicts the silhouette of a stylised eye combining human and falcon characteristics. The top protrusion represents the brow, and the middle protrusion represents the corner of the almond-shaped eye. Beneath is the vertical, rectangular cheek marking, from which the amulet leads towards a straight back. Both the obverse and reverse are left smooth and unadorned. The amulet was perforated horizontally for suspension. The piece has been set in a modern gold pendant mount, with a ribbed suspension loop to the top. The rectangular cheek marking and pointed protrusion of the eye are broken off but held in place within the mount.
Horus was one of the most significant Ancient Egyptian deities, most commonly depicted with the head of a falcon, and the body of a man. He was a sun and moon deity, with his right eye thought to represent the sun and the left the moon. The eye of Horus, also known as ‘Wedjat’, was an ancient symbol of protection, particularly for the afterlife, and was also used to deflect evil. For this reason, it was often worn or hung on the deceased at burial. This symbol was highly influential in Egyptian life, with ancient sailors painting the image on the bow of their vessels to ward off evil.
Measurements: (circa) L 1.4cm x W 1.1cm
Weight: 0.86g
Provenance: Ex. Private collection 1970s-1990s; Prince's collection, Sheikh Al Thani, member of the royal Qatari family, 1990s-2014.
Seller's Story
An Ancient Egyptian yellow faience amulet depicting the wedjat, or Eye of Horus, set in a modern gold mount. The wedjat depicts the silhouette of a stylised eye combining human and falcon characteristics. The top protrusion represents the brow, and the middle protrusion represents the corner of the almond-shaped eye. Beneath is the vertical, rectangular cheek marking, from which the amulet leads towards a straight back. Both the obverse and reverse are left smooth and unadorned. The amulet was perforated horizontally for suspension. The piece has been set in a modern gold pendant mount, with a ribbed suspension loop to the top. The rectangular cheek marking and pointed protrusion of the eye are broken off but held in place within the mount.
Horus was one of the most significant Ancient Egyptian deities, most commonly depicted with the head of a falcon, and the body of a man. He was a sun and moon deity, with his right eye thought to represent the sun and the left the moon. The eye of Horus, also known as ‘Wedjat’, was an ancient symbol of protection, particularly for the afterlife, and was also used to deflect evil. For this reason, it was often worn or hung on the deceased at burial. This symbol was highly influential in Egyptian life, with ancient sailors painting the image on the bow of their vessels to ward off evil.
Measurements: (circa) L 1.4cm x W 1.1cm
Weight: 0.86g
Provenance: Ex. Private collection 1970s-1990s; Prince's collection, Sheikh Al Thani, member of the royal Qatari family, 1990s-2014.
Seller's Story
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The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
