Egyptian Stone Tyet Amulet. Third Intermediate Period-Late Period, circa 743-332 B.C. Finely carved tyet amulet with incised internal detailing and ribbed suspension loop at the top. Cf. Reisner, G.A., Catalogue général des antiquités égyptiennes du Musée du Caire, Nos.5218-6000 et 12001-12527, Vol. I, Amulets, Cairo, 1907, pl.VII (CG12036), for an amulet of similar styling. 38.9 grams, 81 mm (3 1/4 in.). (For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price.)

Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The tyet amulet was associated with the goddess Isis and was often referred to as the 'knot' or 'girdle' of Isis. Some believe that it represents a bandage used to absorb menstrual blood. It was commonly placed within the mummy wrappings on the upper torso of the deceased, with the belief that it would invoke Isis' protection and safeguard the body, thus ensuring their rebirth in the afterlife.

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