The ancient Egyptian religion embraced the idea that some types of ornaments have a magical value that preserves it and keeps evil away from the body, whether living or in the other world and a mummy, and the effect of magic against its stops, such as amulets that give its bearer strength, blessing, good fortune and good luck according to his belief, and therefore the ornaments have the power of a magical amulet.
And the idea of ​​wearing jewellery developed after that until it became used as an amulet, and decorative elements were introduced to it that show the wearer’s beauty. The ornaments derived their materials, shapes and symbols from the Egyptian environment.
There were ornaments used for adornment in daily life, and others used as an amulet for guarding and protection. They were made of gold, studded with semi-precious stones, and provided with clasps, cocks, gold wire, or thin threads.
Some ornaments are used as amulets for adornment and protection in the afterlife, and they have magical purposes to protect those who wear them in the other world and protect their body from all evils.
It was prepared and manufactured from non-precious materials such as gilded wood, gilded plaster, stone and faience, or from bone, ivory, and even clay.
These ornaments could not be worn in this worldly life due to their weight, ease of breaking, inconsistency and suitability for daily life.
Where we find that what was painted on it as a substitute for the real funeral ornaments, which was painted to keep it forever as long as the coffin remained, or it was painted for fear of stealing the real ornaments if they were already present with the deceased
Amulets, their symbols and meanings
Amulets were worn for protection and to nullify the act of magic and unexpected dangers. They were also used to ward off evil and witchcraft, as they provided the bearer with strength, good luck and blessing. Therefore, the amulet was made in the form of the shapes of gods or sacred symbols. It was known in the Egyptian language as (Waja), which means healing or (Make Hao), the protector of the body or (as), which means protection or Nakhto means an amulet. The amulet can take the form of a cobra snake to extend protection to those who carry it or who put it in a piece of jewellery.
The amulet was in the form of a scarab that guarantees its bearer a new resurrection, helps him renew his youth and gives him happiness, especially if it is made of green, blue or brownstone or faience.
It was mentioned in one of the papyri, which is now in the Berlin Museum, that the leaves of the gipsy tree contain useful things and that whoever has the silver metal heals and possesses wealth.
Amulets may also be used to stop bodily injuries or unexpected dangers or what cannot be picked. Animals were also provided with amulets to protect them or increase their fertility. The two-fingered amulet made of Obsidian stone helped stop evil magic.
As for the headrest amulet (Worse), it had a special amulet from the Book of the Dead (No. 166), which helped maintain the connection of the head with the body.
The amulet of the grandfather’s pillar is considered a protector of the body, giving it the attribute of permanence and strength (Chapter 155 of the Book of the Dead). In contrast, the amulet of the raised arms (Ka) ensured the presence of the consort near the female to accept the sacrifice. In contrast, the papyrus leg amulet (Waj) provided the one who kept it with bodily freshness and was a symbol For the strength and vitality of youth.
As for the holy eye (Wajat) ensured the body’s safety and provided it with protection against the evil eye and magic, chapter 167 of the Book of Death.
The ring (Shen) is used to make a magic circle (encircle) around the finger to protect it from breakage and provide strength to the one who wears it, while the wand (Was) ensures the prosperity of the one who carries it. Beads, sometimes used as equivalent weights for necklaces, provided the bearer with endurance and serenity and symbolized fertility and assistance in childbirth and lactation because of their association with the goddess Hathor.
The amulet of Nefer could give eternal youth and beauty, while the heart amulet was a symbol of knowledge, strength, and the ability to breathe again.
As for the sign (Sama) symbolized the unity between the different parts of the body, and the crowns amulets (white and red) provided the king or official with authority and strength, while the bird’s claw amulet helped in self-defence.