Ancient Egypt, New Kingdom Carnelian Wedjat Amulet






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€80 | ||
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€75 | ||
€3 | ||
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Wedjat Amulet, a translucent carnelian Ancient Egyptian Eye of Horus pendant from the New Kingdom, circa 1550–1070 BC, H 2 cm x L 2.9 cm, in good condition with wear and a now-blocked suspension lug; authentic original, acquired 1990 from a private collection (previous owner 1920, private collection).
Description from the seller
An ancient Egyptian amulet, depicting the wedjat, or the Eye of Horus, made from a beautiful translucent carnelian. The amulet features the typical silhouette, combining human and falcon ocular imagery. Directly beneath the long hatched brow is the eye, engraved with cosmetic lines. The eye has been rendered in a stylised manner, with a circular incision representing the pupil. Under this, a ribbed, rectangular protrusion, known as the cheek marking, extends downwards. A final incision curves diagonally from the edge of the eye to the bottom edge of the amulet, ending in a spiral. The amulet presents with a slightly convex profile and there is perforated lug for suspension to the top; however, it is now blocked. Signs of wear, including earthy encrustation and minor pitting, all consistent with age. Chipping along the edges. There is a stable vertical crack across the obverse and reverse of the amulet.
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): H 2cm x L 2.9cm
Provenance: Ex. early 20th century U.K. collection
Seller's Story
An ancient Egyptian amulet, depicting the wedjat, or the Eye of Horus, made from a beautiful translucent carnelian. The amulet features the typical silhouette, combining human and falcon ocular imagery. Directly beneath the long hatched brow is the eye, engraved with cosmetic lines. The eye has been rendered in a stylised manner, with a circular incision representing the pupil. Under this, a ribbed, rectangular protrusion, known as the cheek marking, extends downwards. A final incision curves diagonally from the edge of the eye to the bottom edge of the amulet, ending in a spiral. The amulet presents with a slightly convex profile and there is perforated lug for suspension to the top; however, it is now blocked. Signs of wear, including earthy encrustation and minor pitting, all consistent with age. Chipping along the edges. There is a stable vertical crack across the obverse and reverse of the amulet.
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): H 2cm x L 2.9cm
Provenance: Ex. early 20th century U.K. collection
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.
