For the Ancient Egyptians, amulets were not only decorative but also utilitarian as an apotropaic force. Many amulets have been found inside the wrapping of mummies to ensure a safe journey into the afterlife, but amulets were also used by the living for protection or in order to have their wishes granted. Amulets had different meanings depending on their type or form, and small amulets depicting the gods, whether in a human or animal form, were thought to induce protective powers over the wearer.
The ankh is one of the most recognisable symbols from Ancient Egypt, and when written as a hieroglyph was translated as “life”. Depicted as a cross with a large loop, it was often held by various gods and goddesses in funereal iconography to represent their revivifying powers and presence at the gateway to the afterlife.
To find out more about Ancient Egyptian amulets, please see our relevant blog post: Egyptian Amulets and their Meanings.
