Amulets & Ushabtis
Faience Amulets
Egyptian
originals
bequest of: W.A.S Sarjeant
date: Late Egyptian Period
provenance: purchased by donor
description: 94 original faience amulets of varying sizes: 12 various gods, 3 scarab seals, 6 depicting the god Bes (see: Bes), 6 depicting a kneeling Shu with upraised arms, 25 wedjats, 13 spacer beads, 11 depicting the gods Horus (see: Horus as a Falcon; Horus/Sobek), Bastet (see: The Cat Bastet) and Thoth (see: Thoth as a Baboon), 8 depicting various animals, and 10 miscellaneous items including djed pillars.
The Egyptians believed that misfortune and disease originated from malign spirits and the hostile dead. Maintaining health and prosperity was therefore acheived by providing protection against these forces.
Amulets representing particular forces were worn around the neck for good luck and protection. They were also buried with the dead to ensure safe passage to the afterlife. (See also: Bronze Amulets; Scorpion Amulet; Blue Glass Amulet.)