Ancient Egyptian Red Hardstone Lotus Amulet

$221.02

A very beautiful carnelian or red-orange hardstone lotus flower amulet. The amulet has been carefully carved with smooth edges, with a flat and unworked base. The flower has been composed of three petals, with the central petal featuring as the largest. There is a suspension loop on the top of the flower, which has been worked in to being the top of the central petal. The central column flares at the bottom, while two further columns on the left and right are angled at the bottom to imitate the petals of the flower.

Date: Circa 1550-1070 BC
Period: New Kingdom Period
Condition: Very fine condition.

SOLD

SKU: AS-1288 Category: Tags: ,

The Egyptians wore amulets alongside other pieces of jewellery. They were decorative, but also served a practical purpose, being considered to bestow power and protection upon the wearer. Many of the amulets have been found inside the wrappings of mummies, as they were used to prepare the deceased for the afterlife.

The lotus was an important symbol in the ancient world, as it stood for rebirth and creation. Lotus flowers open during the day, and close at night, thus illustrating the journey of the god, Khepri, who rolled the sun across the earth, and in doing so created day and night. Lotus flowers are also born from the mud at the bottom of lakes, before rising to the surface: such symbolism may have been applied to burial contexts in ancient Egypt, providing a powerful and optimistic metaphor for rebirth.

To find out more about Ancient Egyptian amulets please see our relevant blog post: Egyptian Amulets and their Meanings.

Weight 3.0 g
Dimensions L 1.75 cm
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Semi-Precious Stones