20
Pectoral; gold, carnelian, lapis
Provenance: Valley of the Kings; New Kingdom (disputed)
Origins of the pectoral are hazy, as early documents and bills of lading indicate it was acquired during a secret but sanctioned dig, while dating suggests it may have been acquired through illegal means near Giza.
Its purpose is ceremonial rather than practical, most likely created to celebrate a military victory and either gifted to or by one of the pharaoh’s most successful generals.
The star-shaped dent and the presence of Anubis may refer to “the weighing of the heart,” the ritual by which one was judged worthy or unworthy of eternal life.
The light heart, unburdened by sin, earned entry to the realm of the dead.
A heavy heart would be consumed by Ammit the Devourer.
—from the Lethe Armory Catalogue, incomplete entry