Ancient Egyptian Amulets

An amulet, talisman, or charm is a personal ornament which, because of its shape, material , or even its color, is believed to endow its wearer by magical means with certain powers or capabilities. At the very least it should it should afford some kind of protection. In fact, three of the four Egyptian words translated as "amulet" comes primarily from words meaning "to guard" or "protect". The fourth has the same sound as the word meaning "well being".

Horus Amulet
New Kingdom 1550-1070 B.C.; Horus, the falcon headed son of Osiris, wears what appears to be the double-crown of Egypt. This amulet would have been worn as a sign of devotion and as a protection from evil; intact with a blue faience; Measures approx. 9/16".

Third Intermediate Period 1069-712 B.C.; Bird, possibly a duck; chipping of blue glaze with black paint; measures approx. 7/8".

Wedjat Eye Amulet
New Kingdom 1550 - 1070 B.C.; The best known of all "protective" amulets is the wedjat eye, or "Eye of Horus", the falcon-headed son of Osiris. It refers to Horus' eye after one of his battles with the god Seth and healed by the god Toth. According to legend, Horus offered the healed eye to his dead father, Osiris. So powerful was this charm that it brought him back to life. The wedjat eye is probably found in greater number than any other amulet. In the mummification ceremony, it was most often placed on the plate that covered the embalming incision. Not only did it prevent evil from entering the body, but it also healed the wound, aiding the mummy to rise in the after-life. Retains portions of the original blue-green glaze; Measures approx. 5/8".

Wedjat Eye Amulet
Third Intermediate Period 1069-712 B.C.; Two- toned, composition eye of a blue/green faience with black paint outlines; Also see description above; Measures approx. 9/16".

Djed Pillar; 26th Dynasty 664-525 B.C.; Known to be associated with the gods Ptah and Osiris it was believed representative of "durability". The pillar was commonly used for amulets and protecting the dead. Small original hole through side for wearability. Light blue-green faience; measures approximately 1 1/4" tall.

Votive Offerings representing grain and meat ( the bound ox and ox head) and were regularly discovered in foundations and cornerstones of buildings and royal monuments. Intended to serve as a protective function, they were placed as offerings to the gods during the dedication ceremonies of temples and monuments. The glazed composition material and the flat back from an open mold are indicitive of the New Kingdom, 1550 - 1070 B.C.