An Egyptian Red Jasper Sun Disc Amulet, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE

Akhet sun-on-horizon amulets, such as this example, represent the two hills of the eastern horizon with the sun rising between them.  Characteristic of the twenty-sixth dynasty and later, this amulet links the deceased with rebirth in the company of the newly risen sun.   This rare example is finely carved from matte red jasper, one of the six stones considered most precious by the Egyptians, and features a sun disc rising above an incised plinth with an inverted top edge. For a similar example, see: Carol Andrews, Amulets of Ancient Egypt (London, 1994), p. 88, no. 90e. Dimensions:  Height: 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) Condition:  Overall intact and in very good condition Provenance:  Private Maryland collection of a diplomat, acquired while serving in Egypt between 1949 and 1956, and then by descent.