Amulets

A variety of amulets were placed within a mummy's wrappings. These charms served two purposes: protection from danger and the renewal of strength. Examples of amulets include the model headrest (to make sure the head stayed with the body), the snake's head (to protect from snakebite), and the symbol of a papyrus scepter (to assure the strength of the limbs).

One of the most important amulets was the large, green, heart scarab. The scarab, or dung beetle, was an Egyptian symbol of rebirth and the endurance of the human soul. The spell inscribed on the scarab amulet contained instructions to the heart, considered the seat of a person's mind and emotions. By following these instructions, the heart would not say anything bad about the deceased during the judgment of the soul.

Djed Pillar	Thoth	Girdle	Bes

 

Sources:

Adams, Barbara. Egyptian Mummies. London: Shire Publications, Ltd., 1984.

"scarab" Britannia Online. http://www.wb.com:180/cgi-bin/g?DocF=micro/529/97.html

Spencer, A.J. Death in Ancient Egypt. New York: Penguin Books, 1982.

 

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Copyright 2000, Spurlock Museum, University of Illinois.