Glazed faience wadjet eye amulet

The Eye of Horus is an ancient Egyptian symbol that represents protection, health, and restoration. It’s often associated with the god Horus, who was depicted as a falcon or a man with the head of a falcon. According to Egyptian mythology, Horus lost his eye in a battle with his uncle Seth, but it was later healed by the god Thoth, symbolizing the restoration of his power. This healing process became the symbol of the Eye of Horus.

The Eye of Horus or wadjet was commonly worn as an amulet for protection, and it was believed to ward off evil and bring good fortune. Each part of the eye also had a specific meaning and value in ancient Egyptian measurements, relating to fractions of a whole, symbolizing wholeness and balance.

this openwork composite ‘wedjat’ eye amulet is pierced from side to side at the centre so that it could be worn. It is made from pale turquoise blue glazed composition, with details in yellow and black glaze and has a flat plain underside.

Its basic design is the eye and eyebrow of the lanner falcon, the bird form adopted by the celestial creator god Horus, whose right and left eyes were the sun and moon respectively. However, the drop and curl markings that characterize the eye, and should appear beneath the lower rim, have been transformed into a falcon’s leg with foot and a falcon’s wing.

The area in front of the bird’s leg is filled by an upreared cobra wearing a sun disc, its coiled body arching up behind the puffed up hood. At the back of the wing is a papyrus flanked by buds; between the wing and leg is a human eye. The entire design is set on a reed mat, its bindings carefully delineated.

Late Period, 26th Dynasty, ca. 664-525 BC.
Now in the British Museum. EA29222