A fine ancient Egyptian silver amulet in the shape of a poppy head. The amulet features a long cylindrical neck, topped with a loop for suspension. The body of the amulet is spherical in shape and seated on a round, concave base. Some encrustations and tarnishing to the surface. Minor wear as consistent with its age, such as scratches and indentations. An irregular silver protrusion to one side. Poppy or thistle amulets were representative of healing and the removal of pain in Ancient Egypt. Thistles were common all over Egypt, but were particularly populous 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. Poppies, meanwhile, retained strong associations with healing and pain relief, as evidence suggests that morphine was extracted from poppies in the ancient world. Measurements (circa): L 2cm, W 0.8cm Weight 1.54g Provenance: From a UK collection, 1920's-1940's.