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Unknown (Egyptian)
Mason's level and square amulet
date unknown
stone
1 x 1 1/8 in., 3/16 in. (2.6 x 2.8 cm, 0.5 cm)
Anonymous gift
93.1.12.J
 
bACKGROUND INFORMATION

Mason's level and square 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 is one part of what was normally a two-amulet set: the mason's square and plumb-line. This is the plumb-line; the real life object would have a length of cord with a weight at the end, hanging from the center. A plumb-line was used to check verticality. The mason's square takes an "L" shape, used to measure right-angles. These amulets would ensure integrity and moral uprightness as well as emotional equilibrium.

Source:

Andrews, Carol. Amulets of Ancient Egypt. 1994 (British Museum Press). University of Texas Press, 1998.



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