A1740
Amulets were worn to protect the wearer or provide the wearer with the attributes represented by the amulet.
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178/1996/4
Bes was an impish Egyptian god with many roles, including guarding houses from snakes and being a protector of family and childbirth.
178/1996/3
The ‘djed’ pillar was an ancient Egyptian symbol of stability and was associated with the gods Ptah, Sokar and Osiris.
178/1996/9
The eye of Horus, also called the wadjet, was an ancient Egyptian symbol of healing and protection.
178/1996/10
The eye of Horus, or wadjet, was an ancient Egyptian symbol of healing and protection.
94/1998/53
This silver ornament comes from the town of Nizwa in Oman.
178/1996/11
94/1998/54/1
178/1996/23
In ancient Egypt the eye of Horus was a symbol of protection and was often worn as a good luck charm.
94/1998/54/2
178/1996/28
94/1998/64
94/1998/65
94/1998/66
94/1998/67
110/1931/74
Little is known about the Egyptian god Ptah-Pataikos, as he is only known from amulets, and a single mention in a Greek text.
110/1931/75
This amulet represents the ancient Egyptian god Qebehsenuef, one of the Four Sons of Horus and protector of the dead.
110/1931/76
This amulet represents the ancient Egyptian goddess Sekhmet.
110/1931/77
This amulet represents the ancient Egyptian god Nefertum.
178/1996/23a
This Egyptian amulet would have been a powerful symbol.
5/1946/370a
This phallic amulet has a suspension hole so it can be worn around the neck or from a belt as a charm.
5/1946/370b
178/1996/25
E792a
This shamanic ritual amulet is made from a bear’s tooth, which has been carved into the shape of a wolf.
113/1999
Leather amulets, like this example, were produced by Islamic communities in West Africa.
115/1999
The amulet was produced by an Islamic community in West Africa.
5/1946/360
This intaglio is made from glass which was a cheap substitute for gems or semi-precious stones.
5/1946/361
This finger ring contains a stone amulet which is cut to represent the face of an owl with two eyes and a beak, or possibly a human face with eyes and nose.
5/1946/389
This is a cameo made from three-layered agate.
5/1946/732
Metal figures were popular in the Roman world, often as votive items.
