Amulet

Date1550 BC-395 AD

MediumFaience

DimensionsObject/Work: 12 x 15 mm

ClassificationsReligious/Ritual Equipment

Terms

Object numberC07033

DescriptionSmall heart amulet with a flat back. Heart amulets were often green as the colour is a symbol of vegetation and regeneration which would help the deceased be reborn in the afterlife.

The Egyptians believed that the heart was the most important organ in the body as the source of a persons soul. It was also an important part of the 'weighing of the heart' ceremony in the afterlife, where it was judged if the deceased was worthy of entering the afterlife or should be erased from existence - a fate feared by the Egyptians. For this reason the heart was left inside the body when mummified. Heart amulets were often placed inside the wrappings of a mummy to replace the heart in case of decay.

The heart amulet is often said to resemble a vase or urn. This is because it is based on the hieroglyphic symbol of a heart which is drawn with blood vessels to either side and protrusion on top which form the handles and lid.

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