A small, finely carved haematite amulet in the form of a headrest. Curved at the top, with a rectangular base.
 
Egyptian Late Dynastic period: Circa 664-332 BC.
 
Very fine condition.
Height 11 mms (0.43 ins)
 
Provenance: Collection of Dr. W. Benson Harer. With Anglo-American bookstore, Cairo 1940's. Imported to USA by Philip Mitry, ca. 1952-1952. Sold to Superior Gallery, LA. in 1975. Purchased by Dr. Harer 1975. Published: Published Temple Tomb and Dwelling; item 135B. Exhibited: LACMA 1986-1991
 
Full-size headrests supported the neck of a sleeping person and were often decorated with protective symbols; examples were also placed in the tomb. Headrest amulets were exclusively used as funerary amulets. In addition to their protective function, further meaning derived from the formal resemblance between the round head on the curved headrest and the sun rising between two hills, a powerful symbol of resurrection and rebirth for the ancient Egyptians. Headrest amulets were meant to protect the head of the deceased and reinsure his or her rebirth (Met Museum).