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Headrest amulet
Egyptian
Hellenistic Period (early Ptolemaic Dynasty)
3rd century B.C., 305–200 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Hematite
Dimensions
Overall: 1.8 x 2.5 cm (11/16 x 1 in.)
Credit Line
Hay Collection—Gift of C. Granville Way
Accession Number72.1166
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Amulets
DescriptionThis headrest amulet is carved in the round with fine cutting. The fine-grained and highly polished black stone is in perfect condition. Such amulets were common in Late Period burials, where their magic was intended to lift the head of the deceased at the moment of resurrection.
ProvenanceBy 1836: Robert Hay Collection, Linplum, Scotland; 1863: to his son, Robert James Alexander Hay; 1868-1872: Way Collection, Boston (purchased by Samuel A. Way through London dealers Rollin and Feuardent, 27 Haymarket); 1872: given to the MFA by Samuel's son, C. Granville Way.
(Accession Date: June 28, 1872)
(Accession Date: June 28, 1872)