An Egyptian Hematite Plummet Amulet, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE

From the Twenty-sixth Dynasty on, two amulets are almost always found together -- the carpenter's set square and the plummet, as seen here. The plummet (or plumb-line) looks like a pyramid with feet and was most often carved from dark-colored stone.  The instrument, used in architecture, was used to check verticality and was shaped like a set square (two rectangular rods set in an L shape) placed with the junction at the top so a weight on a cord could hang from it.  Possession of this amulet would guarantee its owner eternal equilibrium For a parallel example, see: Andrews, Amulets of Ancient Egypt (1994), no. 87a. Dimensions:  Length: 2.1 cm (0.82 inch) Condition:  Intact and in excellent condition. Provenance:  Private Maryland collection of a diplomat, acquired while serving in Egypt between 1949 and 1956, and then by descent.