In addition, certain things found in nature, such as a claw or shell, were thought to be imbued with magical power and therefore could function as an amulet as well. While amulets are often small, on average ranging from two to six centimeters (about 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches) ( 1984.176), funerary pieces such as winged scarabs ( 25.5.1a–c) can be as large as twenty-five centimeters (nearly ten inches) wide.Īncient Egyptian amulets represented animals, deities, symbols, or objects in miniature. When used for the dead, they were placed on the mummy or in between the mummy’s bandages. This means that amulets could be worn without having any means of suspension themselves. Among many other possibilities, they could be incorporated into rings or enfolded in a piece of fabric that was then attached to a string. Often amulets were pierced or featured a loop, which allowed their use as pendants on a necklace, for example. Amulets were usually worn or placed on the body to transfer their powers directly to the owner. In ancient Egypt, this magical power was often derived from a combination of several aspects, such as the amulet’s shape, decoration, inscription, color, material, and words spoken over the piece or acts performed with it. In ancient Egypt, amulets were abundant and most were probably inexpensive, which made them available to nearly everyone.Īn amulet is an object believed to have certain positive properties that, as the amulet’s main function, can magically be bestowed upon its owner. A favorite for centuries in some parts of the world is a pendant with a depiction of Saint Christopher ( 30.95.107). Today, an individual might wear a bracelet made of beads with a concentric circle design to combat the evil eye, or keep a lucky penny in his or her pocket. People everywhere want to avoid disease and other misfortune, and to that end, many use amulets to ensure well-being.
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