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The first examples of amulets appeared in
Ancient Egypt as early as 4000 B.C. Believed
to possess magical powers that protected the
wearer or bestowed upon the properties they
symbolized, amulets were worn both by the
living as well as the dead. Throughout their
evolution, talismans were crafted from a
variety of materials including precious metals
such as gold and silver, semiprecious stone like
jasper and carnelian, as well as other more
affordable glazed compositions such as faience.
The particular powers of an individual amulet
were based upon its specific shape, although
the material and even the color of the charm
could affect its magical abilities. While many of
the amulets created to be worn by the living
could also be worn after death, there also
existed a specific group of charms that were
made specifically to be placed upon the
mummified remains of the deceased. All
together, amulets represent an important
class of Ancient Egyptian art that furthers our
understanding of their complex religious
beliefs.
The Ancient Egyptians believed the wedjat eye
was the most powerful protection against evil.
Ever-vigilant against bad luck and misfortune,
the symbolic eye of the god Horus was worn
by king and peasant alike. Though the eye was
sometimes fashioned in gold and precious
stones, it was thought to be at its most
powerful when colored blue. The tradition of
blue amulets guarding against harm is a very
ancient one. Throughout the Mediterranean
world today, one sees beads and talismans of
bright blue, which are meant to avert the evil
eye of bad luck. In Egypt, peasants dip the
palm of their hands in blue paint and press
their palms against the sides of their houses.
When the Egyptian Empire was at its glorious
height, this faience eye of the god Horus was
worn by some long-forgotten person to bring
good fortune and luck. Much has changed in
the world since then, but the power of this
talisman remains strong and benevolent as
always.
- (CK.0233)
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