An Egyptian Black Steatite Heart Amulet, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE

Featuring a small, delicate wing on either side. For the ancient Egyptians, the heart (ib) was the source of intelligence, feelings, and actions. A person's memory was also housed in the heart and so at the judgment ceremony (Weighing of the Heart) in the afterlife, the heart was able to speak on behalf of the deceased, accounting to Osiris for a lifetime of deeds. Therefore, heart amulets were only used on the mummy to protect the owner's organ and to ensure that their heart gave a positive response at judgment. It served as a symbol of triumph of purity and wisdom over death and corruption. Dimensions:  Length: 7/8 inch (2.01 cm) Condition:  Intact and in excellent condition. Provenance:  Private collection of Geoffrey Metz, Egyptologist, Sweden. Metz catalogue number M1323, acquired in the 1990s from the English trade.