C. 713-332  BC – Late Period

A large green faience Egyptian heart amulet with incised detail to front and side projections of arteries. Egyptians believed the heart or ‘Ib’ was a source of intelligence, feelings and actions. Memories were believed to be stored in the heart so that in the afterlife, at the judgement ceremony (weighting of the heart), this organ was able to speak on behalf of the deceased. These were one of the most significant of amulets of all and were set on the upper torso of every mummy, often in numbers to protect the owner’s organ. It represents the power of the living and will.

Although slightly chipped, it has clear linear decoration and is of a large size.

Ref: Similar examples in The British Museum, Eg.Inv.1104

Provenance: Ex N. Thomas Collection, collected in the 1980’s to 1990’s.

Size: H: 30mm