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Lot Essay
PUBLISHED:
Item two: Lady Helena Carnegie (ed.), Catalogue of the collection of antique gems formed by James, Ninth Earl of Southesk, K.T., London, 1908, I, p. 161, no. N34.
For similar birth amulets with the uterus, cf. S. Michel, Magische Gemmen, München, 2001, pp. 73-77, nos 75-80.
Haematite was the preferred stone for amulets concerning female health and gynaecology. Along with jasper and cornelian it was said to have blood congealing qualities.
These amulets were worn to help against pregnancy complications, as well as to ward off nocturnal demons who were thought to cause premature births. The key attached to the bottom of the uterus was to open and close it at the correct time - to open at the birth and to remain shut throughout the pregnancy. The seven teeth of the key represent the Seven Hathors, whose role was to determine the destiny of the child at birth. The goddess Hathor herself was particularly connected to healing and childbirth and she was the 'Lady of the Sky' whose womb protected the god Horus.
Item two: Lady Helena Carnegie (ed.), Catalogue of the collection of antique gems formed by James, Ninth Earl of Southesk, K.T., London, 1908, I, p. 161, no. N34.
For similar birth amulets with the uterus, cf. S. Michel, Magische Gemmen, München, 2001, pp. 73-77, nos 75-80.
Haematite was the preferred stone for amulets concerning female health and gynaecology. Along with jasper and cornelian it was said to have blood congealing qualities.
These amulets were worn to help against pregnancy complications, as well as to ward off nocturnal demons who were thought to cause premature births. The key attached to the bottom of the uterus was to open and close it at the correct time - to open at the birth and to remain shut throughout the pregnancy. The seven teeth of the key represent the Seven Hathors, whose role was to determine the destiny of the child at birth. The goddess Hathor herself was particularly connected to healing and childbirth and she was the 'Lady of the Sky' whose womb protected the god Horus.