This amulet combines both the protective qualities of the wedjat and the scarab. The eye of Horus, also known as ‘wedjat’, was an ancient symbol of protection, particularly for the afterlife, and was also used to deflect evil. For this reason, it was often worn or hung on the deceased at burial.
There are six key parts, relating to the senses, to the Eye of Horus and each has its own value: the eyebrow represents thought; the pupil stands for sight; the triangle between the pupil and the white of the eye is hearing, whereas the white of the eye is smell; the spiral curve, or tail, represents taste; and the teardrop is touch.
The scarab beetle was also an exceedingly popular symbol in the art of Ancient Egypt, thought to represent the sun god, Ra. The Ancient Egyptians believed that the scarab beetle rolling its ball of dung across the dessert mirrored the journey of the sun across the sky from day to night. As the beetle laid its eggs within the dung, it became a symbol of rebirth and regeneration associated with the afterlife.