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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.
Shu was the primordial Egyptian god of the
atmosphere and of dry winds. The name
"Shu" is probably related to the root shu
meaning "dry, empty." Shu also seems to be a
personification of the sun's rays of light and
the glow of the moon. In the Heliopolitan
creation myth, Shu was, along with his sister
Tefnut, one of the first deities created by the
sun god Atum, either from his semen or from
the mucus of his nostrils. Shu symbolizes dry
air and the force of preservation. Tefnut
symbolizes moist or corrosive air that brings
about change, creating the concept of time.
Shu and Tefnut were also said to be but two
halves of one soul, perhaps the earliest
recorded example of "soulmates." Tefnut
became his consort, giving birth to the sky
goddess Nut and the earth god Geb. Shu
separated Geb and Nut (heaven and earth) by
interposing himself between them. Depicted in
human form, Shu often wears upon his head
an ostrich feather (the hieroglyph for his
name), and holds up the sky with two hands,
one supporting it at the place of sunrise, and
the other at the place of sunset.
- (CK.0225)
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