An Egyptian Malachite Writing Tablet Amulet, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE
EA2377
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Amulets in the form of writing tablets are unique to the Twenty-sixth Dynasty and later. They are always rectangular in shape with a suspension tube at the top and made from green, blue or dark-colored material, feldspar being by far the most common, such as this example. Although the Egyptians used labels in this shape as a writing medium from as early as the First Dynasty, this amulet may well represent rather an undetailed scribe's writing palette which was specifically requested by Chapter 94 of the Book of the Dead: 'Bring me a palette from the writing kit of Thoth and the mysteries which are in them.' With such an amulet the deceased would be granted power over whichever magic formula he required in the Other World. This example is of bright veined malachite and has a small suspension loop at the top.
Ref: Andrews, Carol, 1994. Amulets of Ancient Egypt. Austin: University of Texas, p. 86, 98, no. 99b.
Dimensions: Height: 1 inch (2.5 cm)
Condition: Overall intact and in good condition.
Provenance: Private Maryland collection of a diplomat, acquired while serving in Egypt between 1949 and 1956, and then by descent.
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