Necklace decorated with wadjet eye

Thirteen separate protective wadjet eye amulets, made from Egyptian faience in molds, decorate this necklace. The most popular of all Egyptian amulets was the wadjet eye, which was worn to promote health and well-being.

The mythological origin of this symbol is rooted in the struggle between Horus, who was the rightful heir to the throne of Osiris, his father, and Horus’s jealous uncle, Seth, who murdered Osiris. During these battles, Horus’s eye was injured and was restored to health by means of magic.

Egyptian blue faience necklace decorated with wadjet eye
Egyptian blue faience necklace decorated with wadjet eye

One of the most popular amulets in ancient Egypt, the wadjet eye amulet represents the healed eye of the god Horus. It depicts a combination of a human and a falcon eye, since Horus was often associated with a falcon. Its ancient Egyptian name, wadjet, means “the one that is sound (again).”

Wadjet eye amulets were among the most popular amulets of ancient Egypt. The wadjet eye represents the healed eye of the god Horus and embodies healing power as well as regeneration and protection in general.

Egyptian blue faience necklace decorated with wadjet eye
Egyptian blue faience necklace decorated with wadjet eye

Medium: blue glazed Egyptian faience. Now in the Glencairn Museum, Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania. 15.JW.460