Heart Amulet

Artist Unidentified

Period Ptolemaic Period (Ancient Egyptian, 304–30 BCE)

Period Roman Rule (Ancient Egyptian, 30 BCE–395 CE)

Place of OriginEgypt

Date2nd century BCE

Dimensions2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm)

Mediumglass

ClassificationGlass

Credit LineGift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

1906.53C

Not on View

DescriptionThis small amulet, cast in an open mold, represents a stylized heart. It is made of opaque red glass with the obverse (front) featuring incised details in relief. The reverse is plain and has a rough surface. A blind eyelet at the top suggests it was designed to be suspended.

Label TextIn ancient Egyptian belief, the heart was the core of thought, memory, and moral judgment. Unlike the brain, it was seen as the organ responsible for a person’s character and actions. In the afterlife, the heart played a decisive role in the Weighing of the Heart ceremony, where it was balanced against the feather of Maat, symbolizing truth and justice. Success in this judgment allowed the deceased to enter the next world. To protect the heart and ensure a favorable outcome, small amulets in its shape were placed among the mummy wrappings. These objects were believed to magically prevent the heart from testifying falsely.