Amulet, wadjet eye
Medium:Glazed composition (faience)
Geography: Undetermined site, Egypt
Date: c. 945-525 BC
Period: 22nd-26th Dynasty, 3rd Intermediate Period
Dimensions:1.5 × 1.3 × 0.3 cm
Object number: 995X2.159
DescriptionOne of the most popular amulets known from ancient Egypt, the wadjet eye represents the healed eye of Horus, the falcon god. The Egyptian word wadjet means “one that is whole or sound (again)” and refers to a struggle between Horus and the god Seth where Horus first loses his eye and then regains it through the agency of Thoth. The wadjet eye thus has a regenerative and healing function and was commonly placed within mummy wrappings to help the deceased in the Afterlife. This wadjet eye amulet is mould-made of a glossy turquoise faience, with the outline of the eye incised and painted in black. The surface and edges are smooth. A black brow line has been added, as well as a black dot to mark the pupil of the eye. The area behind the pupil is hollowed out. The back is flat and undecorated. The amulet is perforated horizontally for suspension.
