Amulets or charm or talismans are small items worn for protection against evil , for health and well being, and/or good luck. They were worn not only by the living, but also the dead, i to protect the soul on its treacherous voyage through the underworld.
The old time denizens of Egypt would hang the amulet from a bracelet or a necklace; place it on a ring or simply carried it. On a mummy, one amulet or more would be placed between the bandages.
Many amulets were used in conjunction with prayers to obtain the desire results. They were applied in conjunction with incantations in medical treatments.
The amulet could be made of stone, bone, leather or any other available material. Images could be carved or drawn.
Scarab Amulet
By far the most widespread image used in Dynastic Egyptian amulets was that of the Scarab or Dung Beetle. It denoted hope and the renewal of life. The Scarab also was believed to bring good luck.
In addition, the color of the scarab represented further benefits: if it was made of a blue material, then it was associated with the life giving waters of the Nile, if red with the sun god Ra.
Heart Amulet
Probably second in popularity were hearth amulets for it was held that feelings, intelligence and thoughts.
Among the many symbols used to improve female fertility were the frog, which also implied rebirth; the cat, associated with the protection of babies; the hare, which also improved speed and the claw which further protected women.
Amulets in the shape of hands and legs were also common. They were to protect or bring healing to the extremity represented.
The Egyptians also displayed images or representations of their many gods in their charms. These amulets either brought the deity’s protection to the wearer or bestowed some of the divine powers upon the individual; therefore, an Ibis or a Baboon, which were associated with Thoth, brought wisdom and knowledge. The Baboon was also linked to Ra.
The Eye of Horus
Even though it was not as popular as some of the modern media would have us believe, the Wedjet Eye or Eye of Horus was believed to protect the wearer against evil and to bring good luck. This particular amulet was also positioned next to the cuts made in the body of the dead to protect the opening through which organs were taken out during the mummification procedures.
Changes with Time
The prevalence of various amulets evolved with the times. Animals and hieroglyphs were prevalent in the Old Kingdom, that is from about 2649 BC to 2150 BC.
Gods and goddesses became more numerous during the Middle Kingdom and peaked at the time of the New Kingdom, between 1550 BC and 1070 BC.
A boom in the use of amulets took place at the end of the New Kingdom – where animals, symbols, hieroglyphs and deities were all popular – and continued, very much, until the end of the Dynastic Period.
Sources
Ivan Castro - Ivan Castro, a former reporter for The Miami Herald, is a free lance writer specializing in History and Archeology.
Join the Conversation