Ancient Egyptian amulets were not only ornamental but also considered to bestow power and protection upon the wearer. Many of the amulets have been found inside the wrappings of mummies, as they were used to prepare the deceased for the afterlife. Amulets held different meanings, depending on their type or form. The Wadj Sceptre is a rolled papyrus scroll, and in amulet form was thought to give the wearer eternal youth. The papyrus was used in the hieroglyphic script for the word ‘wadj‘, meaning “fresh”, making it an appropriate talisman for the preservation of the body. The papyrus sceptre thus symbolised new life and regeneration, and so held particular significance for the deceased in the afterlife. Books 159 and 160 of the Book of the Dead refer to a Wadj amulet made of feldspar being placed at the throat of the mummy. Feldspar was a precious stone used by the Egyptians, and its green colouring was symbolic of new life. However, amulets were made just as often in the more affordable medium of faience, which was green in colour to mimic feldspar.
To find out more about Ancient Egyptian amulets please see our relevant blog post: Egyptian Amulets and their Meanings
