Wedjat eye Amulet

Third Intermediate Period

1070–664 B.C.

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 130

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. It was used by the living as well as for the dead.
This particular wedjat eye amulet belongs to the "schematized" type, in which the eyebrow and the pupil is indicated with thick black paint.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Wedjat eye Amulet
Period: Third Intermediate Period
Date: 1070–664 B.C.
Geography: From Egypt
Medium: Faience
Dimensions: L. 3.8 × H. 3 cm (1 1/2 × 1 3/16 in.)
Credit Line: Gift of Helen Miller Gould, 1910
Object Number: 10.130.1889
Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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Wedjat Eye Amulet, Faience, aragonite — Wedjat Eye Amulet
ca. 1070–664 B.C.

Amulet of a lion-headed Bastet, Faience — Amulet of a lion-headed Bastet
ca. 872–664 BCE

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664–525 BCE

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27 B.C.–A.D. 14

Inlay Depicting a Falcon with Spread Wings, Faience — Inlay Depicting a Falcon with Spread Wings
4th century B.C.

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