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Sun disc amulet

Date 7th-4th centuries BC (ca. 664–332 BC)
Object type amulet
Medium, technique Lapis lazuli
Dimensions

1.6 × 1.5 × 0.7 cm

Inventory number 51.536
Collection Egyptian Art
On view This artwork is not on display

The amulet in the form of a large flattened circle supported by a trapezoidal base represents the cosmic power of the sun disc. Similar amulets are characteristic to the 26th dynasty (ca. 664–525 BC) and later. They are made in particular from lapis lazuli like this example, or dark-coloured stones and sometimes from a green stone such as olivine. Originally, it might have been placed on the stomach of the mummy to help the deceased unite with the sun god during his passage across the sky and through the netherworld to be reborn each morning.

This record is subject to revision due to ongoing research.

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