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Headrest amulet
Egyptian
Third Intermediate Period to Late Period, Dynasty 21–30
1070–332 B.C.
Findspot: Egypt, Abydos
Medium/Technique
Hematite
Dimensions
Height x Length: 1.5 x 2.9 cm (9/16 x 1 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Egypt Exploration Fund by subscription
Accession Number02.758
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Amulets
DescriptionThis amulet of hematite takes the shape of a headrest. Such amulets were meant to raise the deceased's head in the afterlife and to aid in avoiding decapitation, one of the most perilous of hazards en route to the netherworld.
ProvenanceFrom Abydos. 1902: excavated by William Matthew Flinders Petrie for the Egypt Exploration Fund, assigned to the Egypt Exploration Fund in the division of finds by the government of Egypt, received by the MFA through subscription to the Egypt Exploration Fund on November 17, 1902.
(Accession Date:November 17, 1902)
(Accession Date:November 17, 1902)