Egyptian Obsidian Amulet of the ‘Index’ and ‘Middle’ Fingers

An Egyptian Obsidian Amulet of the ‘Index’ and ‘Middle’ Fingers
Old paper labels to reverse: ‘46.40.59’
3rd Intermediate Period / 1069 - 664 B.C - Late Dynastic Period / 664 - 332 B.C

Size: 8.5cm long, 2cm wide - 3¾ ins long, ¾ ins wide

The two finger ‘amulets’ were usually found on the mummy near the embalming incision, through which the internal organs were removed during the mummification process; thus it is thought they represent the fingers of the embalmer. However it is also possible that this type was intended to ‘seal’ the wound, preventing harmful forces from entering the body. The amulets are often made of obsidian, basalt or steatite. The black colour had associations with the ‘underworld’. The hard-stones durability was selected to aid and retain their power for eternity.

Private collection, Bergen, New Jersey, USA acquired during the 1970s from an older collection (mostly from Parke-Bernet Galleries, New York)
note: the collection number on the reverse probably refers to a de-accession museum reference number
UK collection

cf For a similar obsidian example see Brooklyn Musuem, USA, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 74.158

Egyptian Obsidian Amulet of the ‘Index’ and ‘Middle’ Fingers