**First Time At Auction**

Egypt, Late Dynastic Period, 26th to 31st Dynasty, ca. 664 to 332 BCE. A haunting pair of hand-carved stone eyes boasting white limestone sclerae with inlays of black stone pegs forming the pupils. Each are encased on their sides and verso by a stone of deep blue-grey that has been hollowed out, forming eyelids. These would have been inlaid into a mummy mask, designed to help the deceased see outward from the grave. Size: 1.25" W x 0.875" H (3.2 cm x 2.2 cm)

Eyes were an incredibly important part of ancient Egyptian funerary accoutrement. For example, the eyes on sarcophagi could be complimented by paintings of eyes as well, often alongside the symbol for eternity. Eyes provided a window to the outside world for the mummy inside to see. The ancient Egyptian religion required its practitioners to purchase and use a tremendous number of items for protection in death, and because these items - like these fine, expensive eyes - were usually made by priests, this enriched the priesthood and temples, that were immensely powerful in Egyptian society.

Ancient Egyptians believed it was of the utmost importance to preserve a body of the deceased, because the soul needed a place to reside after the death. Preservation of the body was done via mummification - a process involving the removal of internal organs that were placed in canopic jars, wrapping body in linen, and then embalming. Death masks adorned by eyes like these were created so that the soul could recognize the body and return to it. For this reason, death masks were made in the likeness of the deceased.

Provenance: ex-Phoenicia Holyland Antiquities, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#159027

Each have detachable pupil, sclera, and lid. Expected surface wear with some light abrasions commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent and intact with rich earthen deposits.