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The first examples of amulets appeared in
Ancient Egypt as early as 4000 B.C. Believed
to possess magical powers that protected the
wearer or bestowed upon the properties they
symbolized, amulets were worn both by the
living as well as the dead. Throughout their
evolution, talismans were crafted from a
variety of materials including precious metals
such as gold and silver, semiprecious stone like
jasper and carnelian, as well as other more
affordable glazed compositions such as faience.
The particular powers of an individual amulet
were based upon its specific shape, although
the material and even the color of the charm
could affect its magical abilities. While many of
the amulets created to be worn by the living
could also be worn after death, there also
existed a specific group of charms that were
made specifically to be placed upon the
mummified remains of the deceased. All
together, amulets represent an important
class of Ancient Egyptian art that furthers our
understanding of their complex religious
beliefs.
Sekhmet, along with her husband the creator-
god Ptah and their son Nerfertum, was part of
the powerful trio of deities that protected
Ancient Memphis. She was a sun goddess,
embodying the scorching, burning, destructive
heat of the sun. Fierce goddess of war, the
destroyer of the enemies of Ra and Osiris, she
was represented as having the head of a lioness
and the body of a female human. Like the sun,
her temper was uncontrollable. In the legend of
Ra and Hathor, Sekhmet's anger became so
great, she would have destroyed all of mankind if
Ra had not taken pity on us and made her drunk.
- (CK.0216)
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