Amulet

Date1550 BC-395 AD

MediumFaience

DimensionsObject/Work: 25 x 17 mm

ClassificationsReligious/Ritual Equipment

Terms

Object numberC07031

DescriptionSmall heart amulet with flat back. It is made of red faience with a cross in the centre. The faience is used to replicate the stone Jasper, which was often used for heart amulets.

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. 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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