Ancient Egyptian Faience Necklace with Eye of Horus (Wedjat) Amulet | Late Period–Ptolemaic, Circa 664–30 BCE
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Ancient Egyptian Faience Necklace with Eye of Horus (Wedjat) Amulet | Late Period–Ptolemaic, Circa 664–30 BCE
Description
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Historical Context & Origin
Region: Ancient Egypt
Material: Turquoise-Green Faience, Earthen-Toned Spacer Beads & Cord
Period: Late Period–Ptolemaic Period, circa 664–30 BCE (Attributed)
Description
This distinctive Egyptian faience necklace features an intricately modelled Eye of Horus (Wedjat) amulet, suspended from an elongated arrangement of turquoise-green tubular beads interspersed with numerous small, earthy brown disc-shaped spacers.
The central amulet displays the characteristic stylized eye, with a pronounced upper brow, raised ocular detailing, and a projecting lower marking associated with traditional Wedjat representations. Its surface exhibits attractive variations of turquoise, pale green, and sandy beige, creating a richly textured appearance.
The necklace incorporates long, slender cylindrical beads with mottled green-blue surfaces, arranged at regular intervals between clusters of smaller brown spacers. Their contrasting colours produce a visually appealing composition that recalls the traditional materials and aesthetic of ancient Egyptian personal adornment.
The individual components display varying degrees of surface wear and deposits.
Features
- Central Eye of Horus (Wedjat) amulet with raised, stylized detailing
- Multiple elongated cylindrical tubular beads
- Characteristic Egyptian protective symbolism
- Visible surface deposits, glaze wear, and variations in coloration
- Individually formed components arranged into a continuous necklace
- Attractive archaeological character suitable for an antiquities collection or display
Cultural Significance
The Eye of Horus was one of ancient Egypt's most enduring symbols of protection and restoration. According to Egyptian mythology, Horus lost or injured his eye during his struggle with Seth, the god associated with disorder. The eye was subsequently restored through divine intervention, transforming it into a powerful emblem of healing, completeness, and renewal.
Known in ancient Egyptian as the Wedjat, meaning the restored or sound eye, this symbol was frequently incorporated into amulets, rings, necklaces, and funerary objects.
Its protective qualities were believed to extend into both daily life and the afterlife, safeguarding individuals against misfortune while encouraging physical and spiritual well-being.
The use of blue-green faience further reinforced these associations. Its luminous colours represented the regenerative powers of nature, making it a particularly meaningful material for protective ornaments.
Condition
The necklace exhibits notable surface wear consistent with its present aged appearance, including areas of glaze loss, discoloration, encrustation, and minor irregularities to individual beads.
The central amulet retains recognizable Eye of Horus detailing, although portions of its original surface and finer features have become worn.
Several tubular and spacer beads display small chips, abrasions, and uneven surfaces. The necklace is currently strung, with later cord or restoration materials not excluded.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Length: 13.5 in
Age (Approximate)
2,050–2,690 years old
Provenance
Formerly part of a private collection in Indiana, USA, having been acquired from a gallery in New York in 1996. Subsequently handled by Ripley Auctions & Appraisals, Indianapolis, Indiana. Ripley Auctions is an established Indianapolis auction house with more than three decades of experience handling fine art, antiques, antiquities, collectibles, and estate collections, serving collectors and buyers nationally and internationally.
Learn More
Discover the protective symbolism of the Eye of Horus through the Wedjat Eye Amulet at The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Browse Our Collection of Ancient Egyptian Mummies & Artifacts
Description
Historical Context & Origin
Region: Ancient Egypt
Material: Turquoise-Green Faience, Earthen-Toned Spacer Beads & Cord
Period: Late Period–Ptolemaic Period, circa 664–30 BCE (Attributed)
Description
This distinctive Egyptian faience necklace features an intricately modelled Eye of Horus (Wedjat) amulet, suspended from an elongated arrangement of turquoise-green tubular beads interspersed with numerous small, earthy brown disc-shaped spacers.
The central amulet displays the characteristic stylized eye, with a pronounced upper brow, raised ocular detailing, and a projecting lower marking associated with traditional Wedjat representations. Its surface exhibits attractive variations of turquoise, pale green, and sandy beige, creating a richly textured appearance.
The necklace incorporates long, slender cylindrical beads with mottled green-blue surfaces, arranged at regular intervals between clusters of smaller brown spacers. Their contrasting colours produce a visually appealing composition that recalls the traditional materials and aesthetic of ancient Egyptian personal adornment.
The individual components display varying degrees of surface wear and deposits.
Features
- Central Eye of Horus (Wedjat) amulet with raised, stylized detailing
- Multiple elongated cylindrical tubular beads
- Characteristic Egyptian protective symbolism
- Visible surface deposits, glaze wear, and variations in coloration
- Individually formed components arranged into a continuous necklace
- Attractive archaeological character suitable for an antiquities collection or display
Cultural Significance
The Eye of Horus was one of ancient Egypt's most enduring symbols of protection and restoration. According to Egyptian mythology, Horus lost or injured his eye during his struggle with Seth, the god associated with disorder. The eye was subsequently restored through divine intervention, transforming it into a powerful emblem of healing, completeness, and renewal.
Known in ancient Egyptian as the Wedjat, meaning the restored or sound eye, this symbol was frequently incorporated into amulets, rings, necklaces, and funerary objects.
Its protective qualities were believed to extend into both daily life and the afterlife, safeguarding individuals against misfortune while encouraging physical and spiritual well-being.
The use of blue-green faience further reinforced these associations. Its luminous colours represented the regenerative powers of nature, making it a particularly meaningful material for protective ornaments.
Condition
The necklace exhibits notable surface wear consistent with its present aged appearance, including areas of glaze loss, discoloration, encrustation, and minor irregularities to individual beads.
The central amulet retains recognizable Eye of Horus detailing, although portions of its original surface and finer features have become worn.
Several tubular and spacer beads display small chips, abrasions, and uneven surfaces. The necklace is currently strung, with later cord or restoration materials not excluded.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Length: 13.5 in
Age (Approximate)
2,050–2,690 years old
Provenance
Formerly part of a private collection in Indiana, USA, having been acquired from a gallery in New York in 1996. Subsequently handled by Ripley Auctions & Appraisals, Indianapolis, Indiana. Ripley Auctions is an established Indianapolis auction house with more than three decades of experience handling fine art, antiques, antiquities, collectibles, and estate collections, serving collectors and buyers nationally and internationally.
Learn More
Discover the protective symbolism of the Eye of Horus through the Wedjat Eye Amulet at The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Browse Our Collection of Ancient Egyptian Mummies & Artifacts
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