LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.

Two finger amulets, always depicting the index and middle fingers, were placed on mummies near the incision from where the internal organs were removed during embalming. Known examples date to the Late Period and are always made from dark stone such as basalt, steatite, or obsidian. According to C. Andrews, "the location [of the amulets] on the torso near the embalming incision has led to the suggestion that it represents the two fingers of the embalmer. It would thus have been intended to reconfirm the embalming process or perhaps give added protection to the most vulnerable part of the mummy" (p. 85, Amulets of Ancient Egypt). For a similar example, see no. 64h, op. cit.