Description:

Ancient Egypt, New Kingdom to Late Dynastic Period, 18th to 31st Dynasty, ca. 1550 to 332 BCE. A lovely faience amulet in the form of a circular sieve or a placenta representing the hieroglyph for the phonogram "kh." The example presents a discoid body incised with a grid pattern on both sides, intended to depict the stylized crosscut section of a human placenta. Three drill holes line the periphery for easy suspension as an amulet. The Egyptian term for placenta translated to "mother of humankind." The Ancient Egyptians believed that the placenta was the embodiment of the external soul in contradistinction to a corporeal soul. This belief gained significance when the royal placenta was carried as a symbol before the Pharaoh, a practice that continued to the time of the Ptolemies. Also, at least during the fourth, fifth, and sixth dynasties, there existed an office known as the "Opener of the King's Placenta." Size: 0.2" L x 0.8" Diameter (0.5 cm x 2 cm)

Provenance: Collection of Dr. W. Benson Harer, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired before 2004

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#182348

  • Provenance: Collection of Dr. W. Benson Harer, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired before 2004
  • Condition: Some minor nicks and abrasions as shown, but otherwise, intact, excellent, and wearable as a pendant with good remaining detail and glaze. Light patina in areas.

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January 18, 2024 8:00 AM MST
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Artemis Fine Arts

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