The Ancient Egyptians wore amulets alongside other pieces of jewellery. They were decorative, but also served a practical purpose, being considered to bestow power and protection upon the wearer. Many amulets have been found inside the wrappings of mummies, as they were used to prepare the deceased for the afterlife. Amulets were modelled and carved from different materials, such as precious metals and hard stones. Lapis lazuli was a much-revered material, considered a semi-precious stone and not found locally to the Ancient Egyptians. Its status and value derived in part from the fact that it had to be imported, most likely from Afghanistan. The lotus was an important symbol in the ancient world, as it stood for rebirth and creation. Lotus flowers open during the day and close at night, thus illustrating the journey of the Egyptian god Khepri, who rolled the sun across the earth, and in doing so created day and night.
To discover more about amulets in the Ancient Egyptian world, please visit our relevant post: Amulets in Ancient Egypt.
