Faience pectoral
From Egypt
New Kingdom,
perhaps reign of Ramesses II, around 1250 BC
A symbol of protection and
resurrection
Pectoral
necklaces were laid on the chest of a mummy, and usually bore an
image associated with the wish for protection and a successful
passing into the next world. They were first used in ancient Egypt
by royalty, but by the time of the New Kingdom (1550-1070 BC) they
were also used by the élite
classes.
This example has
two protective images. The
wedjat
eye represents restoration to heath and thus
resurrection.
Anubis
is the god of
embalming
and a protector of the deceased; both images are common elements in
the decoration of private tombs of the New
Kingdom.
The use of yellow
faience
is a further reference to resurrection, this time through the
rising and rays of the sun.
F.D. Friedman (ed.), Gifts of the Nile: ancient Egy (London, Thames and Hudson, 1998)
