An Egyptian Faience Wedjat Eye, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE

A very finely-rendered example of pale green glazed faience with features highlighted in brown pigment. Background: The wedjat-eye amulet represents a human eye with its brow, but the two lines below the eye are often identified as the facial markings of a falcon. The wedjet-eye was supposedly the eye that Seth tore from Horus during a battle over who would lead the gods. Thoth healed the injured eye, returning it to Horus as the "sound one." Wedjat-eye amulets were used from the Old Kingdom through the Roman Period and whether worn as a bracelet for everyday wear or tucked among mummy wrappings, this amulet was effective source of protection, strength and perfection. Medium: Faience Dimensions: Length: 1.1 cm (0.43 inches) Condition: Overall intact and in excellent condition. Provenance: Private Maryland collection of a diplomat, acquired while serving in Egypt between 1949 and 1956, and then by descent.