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.
- (CK.0220)
|
