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. Small amulets depicting gods and goddesses seem to have induced the protective powers of the deity; similarly amulets depicting animals were thought to bestow the skills of that particular animal. Small representations of anatomical features, as seen here, suggest that the wearer required protection over a specific body part. Phallic amulets existed in a variety of cultures in antiquity, including Egyptian and Roman, and are thought to have induced luck, fertility and protection.
To find out more about Ancient Egyptian amulets please see our relevant blog post: Egyptian Amulets and their Meanings