Museum Artifact P2.2 Amulets

Artifact 9007-01 & 02

01. Chest Ornament with heart-scarab

Around 1275 BC
Probably from Memphis, Egypt
Blue, Red, Green and Yellow glazed composition


Heart-scarabs were a type of amulet in the form of a dung beetle. The beetle was associated with the sun god and symbolised the renewal of life. This scarab is set within an ornate chest-ornament in the shape of a shrine. It shows the goddess Isis and her sister Nephthys worshipping the scarab.
~ British Museum

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Seeing this described as an amulet was rather astonishing for me. Plainly, I thought all amulets were small and comes in types of jewelry, not big 'blocks'. Though I have to say it was an interesting piece of amulet. It isn't all decorative and yet it still stands out.

Apparently, the heart scarab were normally used as amulets, jewelry or even funeral goods. Though it is said to be used mostly for the dead where the heart scarab would be placed over the heart, and under the bandage itself.

But what confused me at first was why the sun god, Khepri, is being associated with these amulets which are mostly used for the dead.
Shouldn't the Sun be representing life and light etc?

Khepri

I did my little research and came to an understanding that the Egyptians believed that these scarab beetles held powers which ensures rebirth in the afterlife.
And the assosciation it holds with Khepri, the sun god? It was believed that the Sun dies each night and reborns each morning as a scarab beetle. This is how death and rebirth are heavily assosciated with the said Sun god.

Moving on, of you were to look closely at the detailings at either side of the blue beetle, you'd notice two females with their hands raised, with symbols at the sides. To be precise, they are important deities in the Egyptian mythology. Isis and Nephthys. 


Both are sisters and were described as twins due to their very similar appearance. Some view Isis as the light of both sisters, and Nephthys as the darker one. Probably due to their positions and roles in Egyptian Mythology. 

Isis and Nephthys

Together, they represents day and night; Life and death; Growth and decay. This must be why they are carved into the scarab.


02. Wedjat- eye Amulet

Around 664-525 BC
Egypt
Blue, Black and Yellow glazed composition

The wedjat-eye represents the eye of the falcon-god Horus, which was believed to have been injured and subsequently healed. It signified “wholeness” and gave magical protection to the owner. Wedjat amulets were worn in life but also included in burials.
~British Museum

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Amulets as are known in the Egyptian mythology, holds an important role for the people. They are especially used for protection. Though it narrows down to which deity is used and represented on an amulet.

For this amulet, its the eye of Horus, one of the most used type of amulets in life and death.

For further information:
9007-01
Scarab Amulets
Khepri
nephthys
9007-02
Eye of Horus