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Unknown (Egyptian)
Two fingers amulet
date unknown
obsidian
Overall: 2 3/16 x 13/16 in. (5.6 x 2 cm)
Gift of Horace Mayer
59.21.31
 
bACKGROUND INFORMATION

Two fingers amulet

Amulets were personal adornments worn by the living and placed on mummy wrappings to provide protection and aid on the journey from death to the afterlife. The color, shape, and other qualities of the materials were believed to endow the amulet and its wearer with special powers and protections. This amulet represents two fingers, with incised details indicating creases at the knuckles and nails. This type of amulet was placed on a mummy near the incision where the organs were removed for embalming and may have represented the fingers of Anubis, the god of embalming. It is possible that this type of amulet was also intended to "seal" the wound, preventing harmful forces from entering the body.

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