Hematite Heart Amulet

Culture: Egyptian

Period: Late Period, 664-332 B.C.

Material: Hematite

Dimensions: 2.2 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 1287

Provenance: Collection Ezeldeen Taha Eldarir, acquired on 15 May 1930 from Salahaddin Sirmali in Cairo and then brought to the USA.

Condition: Intact

Description: A slenderly worked out heart amulet with small wings on the sides (“auricle of the heart or auricular”). On top of the straight plate a ribbed eyelet for suspension. In ancient Egypt the heart was the source of intelligence, emotions and all creation. Also the memory of a person was saved in the heart. Before the eternal judgment the heart was finally weighed against a feather before entering the afterlife. Amulets such as the present one should ensure that the heart of the deceased offers a positive answer to the judges. Furthermore heart amulets were also very popular in daily life and were worn as jewellery.