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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.
The ancient Egyptians conceived of their
country as two separate lands, north and
south, which became a unified whole at the
beginning of the dynastic period. This popular
conception is probably based on the actual
Predynastic division of the land into separate
kingdoms. The pharaoh was believed to have
special religious and political significance as the
unifying force, which held the state together.
This aspect of his role is frequently
represented by the titular identification of the
pharaoh as "ruler of the two lands". The
pharaoh is sometimes depicted being ritually
anointed by Nekhbet and Buto the goddesses
of upper and Lower Egypt, respectively.
Equally important in emphasizing the
pharaoh’s role in unification were the crowns
that he wore. The tall, conical, white crown
was symbolic of Upper Egypt and the flat red
crown symbolized Lower Egypt. The king was
shown with either or wearing the double
crown, which is the red crown surmounted by
the white crown. This elegant faience amulet
represents the white crown of upper
(southern) Egypt, which was protected by the
vulture goddess Nekhbet and the god Set.
According to tradition, it was the king of Upper
Egypt who emerged victorious from the
legendary battle between north and south.
Perhaps this amulet commemorates that
ancient victory and is reflective of the pre-
eminence of Thebes.
- (CK.0238)
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