Amulets

Objects to which were attributed magical powers of protection, were worn by the living and disposed in and about the body of the deceased. Some are inscribed with *hekau*, i.e., "words of power," and several are mentioned in the "Book of the Dead." They were used from the earliest times. Every kind of stone or rock besides frit was used in their composition, but some were of more value, made in one particular stone or colour. Amethyst, garnet, turquoise, agate, jasper, lapis lazuli, felspar, obsidian, amber, hematite, malachite, granite, serpentine, and porphyry were all used, and the harder the substance the finer the work. - **Scarab.** (q.v.) - **Ankh.** Symbolizes life, po ibly "the life which remains to one even after death," but it is difficult to tell what the figure represents. It was one of the most important of the amulets, and has been found in large numbers in every kind of material. It is sometimes depicted in combination with the *dad*, and has an independent existence ascribed to it. - **Thet.** The girdle buckle of Isis. An amulet usually made in some red material, such as carnelian, jasper, porphyry or gla . The colour was typical of the blood of Isis, which washed away the sins of the wearer. It was placed on the neck of the mummy, and frequently inscribed with chapter 156 of the "Book of the Dead." - **Dad.** An amulet placed on the neck of the mummy for its protection. The word signifies "firmne , stability, preservation." The 155th chapter of the "Book of the Dead" orders it to be made of gold. Like the *thet*, it had to be dipped in water in which *ankh am* flowers had lain. - **Mai.** An amulet usually made of gold, and which the rubric in the 157th chapter of the "Book of the Dead" commands to be placed on the neck of the mummy on the day of burial. It symbolized the protection of Isis, the "mother" godde . - **Usekh.** The collar of gold which was to be placed on the neck of the mummy on the day of burial, to give him power to free himself from his bandages. (See Rubric of 158th chapter of "Book of the Dead.") - **Ur.** An amulet representing the pillows, or head-rests, placed beneath the heads of the mummies. It is generally made of hematite. It is described in the earliest ritual of the "Book of the Dead," chapter 166. - **Ab.** An amulet representing the heart, the fountain of life, sometimes typifying the conscience. - **Uzat.** The Symbolic Eye, an amulet fastened to the wrist or arm, which protected the wearer from the evil eye, against the bites of serpents, and against words spoken in anger or malice. The two were the Eyes of Horus, but in some instances the left represents the moon, the right the sun. (See Eye , the Sacred.) - **Kheper.** An amulet signifying "good luck." It probably represents a musical instrument. - **Sam.** An amulet signifying union. - **Akh or Kim.** An amulet representing the sun's disk rising from the horizon. Found in the abdomen. - **Shen.** An amulet thought to represent the circle of the sun's orbit, and hence its object was to secure life to the deceased, enduring as the sun. - **Uaz.** An amulet representing a lotus column. It is invariably made of some green substance, and is symbolical of the gift of eternal youth. - **Hez.** The white crown of Upper Egypt. - **Tesher.** The red crown of Lower Egypt. - **Menat.** A sign of divine protection, the sight of which was supposed to drive away care. Most frequent in Saite times. - **Nehy.** Symbolized protection, and was laid on the breast. - **The Frog.** Is not found in use until Dynasty XVIII. It was probably symbolical of the resurrection. - **The Flowers.** Generally found inside the abdomen of mummies. - **The Stairs.** Probably signify the throne of Osiris and the idea of raising up to heaven. - **User.** The royal sceptre, which gave dominion over heaven and earth. - **The Plummet.** To secure justice and moderation for the deceased.