Amulets
Egyptians wore amulets when they were alive. So did they when they died. They believed that the amulets have some kind of magic power to protect them from evils and bring good luck. Many amulets worn in life could be taken to the tomb for use in after life when they died. Funerary amulets were made to perform the same function as the Book of the Dead, which is to protect the deceased throughout the journey to the Other World. Several hundred amulets have been found on a single mummy.
Some amulets came in the shapes or images of the Egyptian gods. Other amulets could have the image of animals whose qualities the wearer may wished to have. The human anatomy may also be used. For example, a foot would give the wearer the power of movement.
Amulets could be made from a variety of materials, such as a blue or green-glazed composition known as Egyptian faience, glass and some metals.
The most often used was 'The eye of Horus' which was also known as the 'wedjat eye'. It was used to protect the wearer from evil.
The popular scarab, often used as a seal, symbolized rebirth. Many Egyptian amulets depicted gods, some of which as follow:
Anubis: Jackel god of the mummification.
Bastet: The cat goddess - daughter of Re.
Bes: Protected women in child-birth.
Horus: Often shown as a falcon and became identified with the pharaoh.
Isis: The protectress; typified the wifely and maternal virtues. Wife of Osiris.
Khnum: Lord of Elephantine at the First Cataract - closely connected with the rise of the Nile.
Osiris: Revered Lord of the Underworld.
Re (Ra): The sun god - often combined with Amun as Amun-re.
Shu: God of the air
Thoth: Patron of scribes; god of wisdom.
Eye of Horus According to an ancient legend, the god Horus had his eye miraculously restored after he had lost it in a fight with evil. This eye symbol, known as the wedjat eye, became connected to protect the mummy's helh and give the body new vitlity.