Wedjat Eye Amulet

Unknown

ca. 1390–1352 B.C. · Faience · Egyptian Art

One of the most popular amulets in ancient Egypt, the wedjat eye 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, wedjat, means "the one that is sound (again)." In Egyptian mythology Horus’ eye was injured or stolen by the god Seth and then restored by Thoth. The wedjat eye embodies healing power and symbolizes rebirth. An amulet in this shape was thought to protect its wearer and to transfer the power of regeneration onto him or her. This particular wedjat eye shows the typical style of the New Kingdom, in which the spiral element sits directly underneath the cosmetic line, while in later examples it is situated much lower (see for example 89.2.415). On the backside of the piece is an ankh-sign, the hieroglyph for life.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1390–1352 B.C.

Medium

Faience

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1911