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Headrest amulet
Nubian
Napatan Period, reign of Tanwetamani
664–653 B.C.
Findspot: Nubia(Sudan), Nuri, Pyramid 59
Medium/Technique
Hematite
Dimensions
Height x width x depth: 1.7 x 3.3 x 1 cm (11/16 x 1 5/16 x 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number20.650
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Amulets
DescriptionThis amulet of hematite takes the form of a headrest. 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.
ProvenanceFrom Nuri, pyramid 59 (tomb of Queen Malaqaye). 1918: excavated by the Harvard University–Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition; assigned to the MFA in the division of finds by the government of Sudan.
(Accession date: March 1, 1920)
(Accession date: March 1, 1920)