For the ancient Egyptians, amulets were not only decorative but also considered to bestow power and protection upon the wearer. Many amulets have been found inside the wrapping of mummies to ensure a safe journey into the afterlife, but amulets were also used by the living for protection or in order to have their wishes granted. Amulets, depending on their type or form, had different meanings, with small amulets depicting the gods, whether in a human or animal form, thought to have induced protective powers over the wearer.
Amulets of body parts were common, with the Ancient Egyptians believing that they would protect that specific body part, whether in life or death, allowing the deceased to reborn with all their limbs intact. Fist amulets were a particular feature of the 1st Intermediate Period, however examples have been found from New Kingdom and Late Period burials. The amulet was meant to bestow the power of dexterity and movement upon the wearer.
To discover more about jewellery in the Ancient World, please visit our relevant post: Jewellery in Antiquity. To discover more about Egyptian amulets, please visit our relevant blog post: Amulets in Ancient Egypt.
