Egypt - Amulets from Book of Dead
Heart Scarab Amulet
The Heart Scarab amulet, central to Egyptian funerary practices, symbolized renewal and eternal life. It was inscribed with protective spells, particularly from Chapter 30B of the Book of the Dead, and placed over the heart of the deceased during mummification. This amulet ensured that the heart, the seat of thought and morality, would not betray the deceased during the Weighing of the Heart ceremony. By silencing potential guilt, the Heart Scarab guaranteed a favorable judgment, allowing the deceased to transition safely to the afterlife .
Shabti Figures
Shabti figures, mentioned in Chapter 6 of the Book of the Dead, were small statuettes crafted from materials like wood, faience, or stone. These figures were often buried with the deceased to act as substitutes in performing manual labor in the Field of Reeds, the Egyptian paradise. Activated through specific spells, Shabtis ensured that the deceased could enjoy eternal rest without being burdened by the duties required in the afterlife.
Ba Bird Amulet
The Ba Bird amulet represented the Ba, a vital aspect of the soul in Egyptian belief. Depicted as a human-headed bird, it symbolized the soul’s ability to travel freely between the living world and the afterlife. This amulet, often placed near the mummy, ensured that the soul could return to the body and partake in offerings, maintaining a harmonious existence across both realms.
Judgment and Scales
The concept of Judgment and Scales, central to Chapter 125 of the Book of the Dead, depicted the Weighing of the Heart ceremony. Here, the deceased’s heart was balanced against the feather of Ma’at, symbolizing truth and justice. This imagery emphasized the importance of moral purity and was a guiding principle for Egyptians, reinforcing the belief that living a righteous life ensured a favorable passage to the afterlife.
Djed Pillar Amulet
The Djed Pillar amulet, often associated with Osiris, represented stability, strength, and resurrection. It was a key symbol in Egyptian funerary rites, placed along the spine of the deceased during mummification. The Djed ensured the restoration of the body and its eventual resurrection, granting the deceased a stable and eternal afterlife.
Ankh Amulet
The Ankh, one of the most recognizable symbols of ancient Egypt, represented life and immortality. Often depicted in the hands of gods or placed within tombs, the Ankh served as a reminder of the eternal connection between the mortal and divine realms. It assured the deceased of continued existence and spiritual protection in the afterlife.
Udjat (Eye of Horus)
The Udjat, or Eye of Horus, symbolized protection, healing, and restoration. Originating from the myth of Horus and Set, where Horus’s eye was healed by Thoth, the Udjat became a powerful talisman. Worn as an amulet or placed with the deceased, it safeguarded against harm and ensured the restoration of balance and health in the afterlife.
Tjet (Knot of Isis)
The Tjet, also known as the Knot of Isis, symbolized the magical and protective powers of the goddess Isis. Often made of red jasper and placed on the deceased, it embodied the blood and protective embrace of Isis. The Tjet assured the deceased of divine safeguarding and symbolized the nurturing and restorative aspects of Isis’s magic.
Headrest Amulet
The Headrest amulet, featured in Chapters 151-160 of the Book of the Dead, was shaped like a miniature headrest. It was placed beneath the neck of the mummy to protect this vulnerable area and ensure the deceased could awaken in the afterlife. This amulet symbolized the rejuvenation and rising of the body, allowing for eternal vigilance and renewal.
Lotus Amulet
The Lotus amulet, inspired by the lotus flower’s association with rebirth and creation, symbolized the deceased’s transformation and renewal. Often placed in tombs, it assured the deceased of a fresh beginning in the afterlife. The lotus’s daily blooming mirrored the soul’s emergence into the light of the next world.
Amulet for Becoming a Falcon
The Falcon amulet, linked to Horus, symbolized freedom, protection, and divine sight. Found in Chapter 89 of the Book of the Dead, it allowed the deceased to transform into a falcon, granting them the ability to soar through the heavens and connect with the divine. This transformation ensured mobility, protection, and a close relationship with the gods in the afterlife.