393, Lot: 766. Estimate $300. Sold for $220. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Blue-green faience amulet of Qebehsenuef. Egypt, Late Period, 664-332 BC. A thin amulet of Qebehsenuef, the falcon-headed son of Horus. Four piercings. Height: 7.3cm. Intact and with a nice glaze. Cf. Petrie, Amulets pl. XXXII, 182e.

From the Carl Devries Collection.

The four sons of Horus – Duamutef, Hapi, Qebehsenuef, and Imsety – served as protectors of the organs of the deceased and were closely associated with the embalming process. Four canopic jars, often in the form of the sons, would hold the lungs, liver, stomach, and intestines after they were removed from the body, and amulets such as the current piece would be sewn into the mummy wrappings.

The falcon-headed Qebehsenuef served as protector of the intestines.