Description
The Eye of Horus, also known as wadjet, wedjat or udjat, is an ancient Egyptian symbol of protection, prosperity, restoration and good health. Arguably the most recognizable symbol of Ancient Egypt, the Eye of Horus references the myth of the god Horus, who, in a demonstration of sacrifice, loses his eye during a heroic fight. Following the battle, Horus’s eye is miraculously restored by another deity, referencing the concept of restoration. The Eye of Horus thus metaphorizes the battle between order and chaos.
Jewelry and amulets were often carved in the shape of the Eye of Horus, as the symbol ensured wellness and protection for the wearer. In a funerary context, the eye offered a safe passage to the afterlife for the departed. Likewise, Ancient Egyptian and Near Eastern sailors often painted the eye on the brows of their vessels in order to guarantee a sound voyage.
The Eye of Horus is similar to the Eye of Ra, the creator god, and represents many of the same concepts of power and protection.
