Two-finger amulet
This amulet depicts two stylized human fingers that are about life-size. Two-finger amulets were used exclusively for the dead and were often found on the lower left of the torso. This is the area of the incision that was made during the mummification process in order to remove the internal organs. These amulets were meant magically to heal the wound. The first examples of this amulet type date to Dynasty 26. Their preferred material was obsidian or other dark stones. Sometimes the amulets were gilded, and faint traces of gilding are present on this example.
Artwork Details
- Title: Two-finger amulet
- Period: Late Period
- Dynasty: Dynasty 26–30
- Date: 664–332 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt
- Medium: Glass, black-blue
- Dimensions: L. 8.2 × W. 2.8 × Th. 1 cm (3 1/4 × 1 1/8 × 3/8 in.)
- Credit Line: Purchase, Fletcher Fund and The Guide Foundation Inc. Gift, 1966
- Object Number: 66.99.182
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
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