W586

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W586 a lead or silver embalming plaque

Metal plaque in lead or silver in which is impressed the shape of the wadjet-eye. This object had been part of the R.G. Gayer-Anderson loan collection before becoming part of the Wellcome collection. 

The embalming incision, which was usually left gaping was also covered with a plaque. 

The wadjet-eye, or Eye of Horus, was a symbol of healing. Wedjet eye amulets were worn by the living as well as the dead. According to myth, Horus offered his healed eye to his father, Osiris, so that he could be restored.  

 

 

 

 

Other embalming plaques in the collection.