Faience is a glazed ceramic known for producing bright colours, especially blues, turquoises and greens. It is produced from quartz or sand crystals mixed with other compounds, finished with a vitreous alkaline glaze to the surface. Faience was believed by the Egyptians to represent rebirth and immortality and is thought to glimmer with the brilliance of eternity. During the predynastic period only green and blue faience occurred, however from the Old Kingdom onward, other colours such as black, yellow and red were added to the palette. Amulets hold different meanings that are considered to bestow power and protection on the wearer, as well as reflect fertility and life.
For more information about amulets and faience, see our blog posts: What is Egyptian Faience? and Amulet Symbolism in Ancient Egypt.
