The Egyptians wore amulets as decorative jewellery, but they also served a practical purpose, being thought to bestow power and protection upon the wearer. Many of the amulets have been found inside the wrappings of mummies, as they were used to prepare the deceased for the afterlife.
Poppy amulets were commonly made from carnelian, or red faience, to imitate the colour of the real flower. Alternatively, genuine poppy heads and flowers were strung together to be worn by the living, or used to adorn mummies. Therefore, although their precise meaning remains unknown, it is believed that poppy amulets are generally associated with resurrection.