715-330 B.C. Egyptian Faience - Udjat Eye: Eye of Ra (God of the Sun)
- Country: Egypt
- Period: Late (715-330 B.C.)
- Type: Egyptian Artifact - Udjat Eye: Eye of Ra
- Composition: Stone
- Mounted Length: 2" (5.8cm)
The Udjat (Wedjat) or Egyptian eye is one of the most recognizable symbols from ancient Egyptian civilization. This Egyptian symbol is depicted in many aspects of the society and culture particularly in art, jewelry and sculptures. The eye is connected to two famous Egyptian gods, Horus (god of the sky) and Ra (god of the sun). Often called the "all-seeing eye", and representative of wisdom and protection in Egyptian religion and culture, the meaning or purpose of the eye varies depending on its depiction.
When associated with Ra, the eye represents power, fury, violence, and destruction. In Egyptian mythology Ra was knows as the god of the sun and later merged with the god Amun (god of air) to become Amun-Ra. Although the eye is often representative of Ra's destructive power, it has a softer meaning in funerary and burial ritual.
Egyptian funerary texts associate deceased souls with Ra in his nightly travels through the Duat, the realm of the dead, and with his rebirth at dawn. In these texts the eye and its various manifestations often appear, protecting and giving birth to the deceased as they do for Ra. A spell in the Coffin Texts states that Bastet, as the eye, illuminates the Duat like a torch, allowing the deceased to pass safely through its depth and providing them the ability to look forward to the rising sun of the next life.
This amulet, once broken and repaired, was likely once a focal point of a necklace that has since decayed. A horizontal hole bisects the artifact which has a beautiful blue glaze that accents the entire piece. Mounted on a nice stand this wonderful piece of history would be a great addition to a historical collection or as decor for your home.
*Artifact condition is based on our professional opinion. Pictures are representative of the artifact that you will receive, actual artifact may differ slightly*