The word "amulet" comes from an Arabic root meaning "to bear” or “to carry." Hence, an amulet is something which is carried or worn and describes any talisman or ornament believed to have supernatural powers.

Egyptians did not worship amulets but believed that the god represented by the amulet could reside within it and bestow power or protection on whomever wore it. The belief that a symbol can provide protection or bring good luck is common to all societies. In our society people often wear religious symbols or carry a favorite penny or lucky charm.

The Use of Amulets  

The use of amulets was common in Egypt from the earliest times to the Roman period, (amulets are still one of the most popular souvenirs from Egypt today). Almost every person in ancient Egypt owned at least one amulet and they were worn around people’s necks, ankles and wrists or tied to locks of their hair. Amulets were placed among mummies’ bandages to help the dead in the afterlife. As well as invoking the power of the gods amulets were also decorative items. The ancient Egyptians usually wore quite plain clothing and would enhance their appearance with jewelry, drawing attention to the more attractive aspects of their bodies as well as camouflaging less attractive areas. Both men and women wore earrings, bracelets, anklets, rings and necklaces. These often contained amulets.

Making an Amulet

The gemstones used to create the amulets were often as important as the shapes or images carved upon them. Egyptians believed that colours revealed the true essence of a person or a thing and could provide them with protection or magical properties.

In order for the amulet to be a functioning vessel for a god’s spirit it had to be properly dedicated. In early times this consecration included the reading of the appropriate chapter from the Book of the Dead by a priest. In later years the amulet needed only to be inscribed with the chapter number or the first line of the prayer. However, the original ritual was still performed on funerary amulets to double the amulets’ powers.

The Gods

There were many gods and thus a lot of amulets to choose from. Some gods were aligned with men, women or children while others were thought to cure or prevent illness. People may have worn amulets depicting the god who was patron of their town or their occupation, or may have worshipped a god associated with their stage of life or position in society. If afflicted by an illness, people may have carried an amulet of a god known to heal. Alternatively, they may have had an amulet depicting a god they simply felt a connection with.