The blooming cycle of the lotus flower, opening in sunlight and closing at night-time, was a central source for Egyptian ideas of rebirth, creation and the duality of nature. The flower was very precious to Egyptians; they were given as offering to the gods in religious ceremonies and were incorporated in many scenes of mythology and legends. The Book of the Dead presents the large flower in between the gods Ra-Atum and Ammit. The lotus was often depicted in the god of healing Nefertem’s crown and in imagery of Osiris, the god of the underworld, strengthening the association with rebirth.
Lapis lazuli was considered a semi-precious stone and not found locally to the Egyptians. Its status and value derived in part from the fact that it had to be imported, most likely from the Near East. Amulets in varying shapes and materials were extremely popular in Ancient Egypt, as they were believed to provide beneficial effects depending on their material or imagery. Many amulets have been found inside the wrappings of mummies, as they were used to prepare the deceased for the afterlife. The precise significance of the palmette is unknown, though plant imagery and amulets were typically symbolic of new life.
To discover more about amulets in the Ancient Egyptian world, please visit our relevant post: Amulets in Ancient Egypt.