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A Pair of Wedjat
Eyes
JE 90194 Cairo Antiquity Museum
Material: Egyptian
blue, calcite (alabaster) and Bronze
Size: Height: 13 cm; Width 28 cm; Depth: 1 cm
Date: Late 12th Dynasty (c. 1800 BC)
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These eyes probably came from the side of a rectangular
coffin into which they were once inlaid. Eyes on the
sides of coffins were common from the late 12th
Dynasty. The ancient Egyptians believed that they
allowed the deceased to see from beyond his casket.
Wedjat
eyes were also closely connected to Horus
and his contention with Seth.
Seth tore out, and destroyed one of Horus' eyes.
However, Thoth
restored the eye, which became known as the "sound
eye". This eye was then associated with the
moon, as the weaker of the two eyes, while the other
eye became associated with the sun.
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