Hapi was amongst one of the four sons of Horus and was worshipped in only funerary settings. His role was to protect the lungs of the deceased and Hapi was in turn protected by the goddess Nephthys. Depictions of Hapi were initially most commonly seen as decoration for the lids of canopic jars. However, when embalming practices changed during the Third Intermediate Period and the organs of the deceased were placed back inside the body, an amulet of Hapi would be added to the body cavity.
The ancient Egyptians wore amulets alongside other pieces of jewellery. Amulets were decorative, but also served a practical purpose, being considered to bestow power and protection upon the wearer. Many amulets have been found inside the wrappings of mummies, as they were used to prepare the deceased for the afterlife.
