ANCIENT EGYPT. NEW KINGDOM CARNELIAN STONE ANKH AMULET. 1250 B.C

Finely carved carnelian amulet in the form of an ankh, the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic symbol for life. Pierced for suspension at the top, the crowbar in the center incised with linear detailing. The rich red-orange color of carnelian was associated with the blood of life, energy, and regeneration. Carnelian was believed to ward off evil and provide protection and the stone's warm colors were linked to the sun and Ra. Such amulets were commonly worn or carried during the New Kingdom(18th-19th Dynasty), a period marked by religious renewal and widespread use of personal devotional objects. 

27 X 13 mm