These stone and glass amulets imaged here were uncovered in the Tomb of Queen Meresankh III. This photograph is from one of the original excavations.
The amulets were used for various magical and religious purposes. They were variously worn as jewelry or carried on the person to provide the protection and positive benefits. These were buried as offerings for Meresankh to ensure her vitality and positive experience in the afterlife.
The scarab amulet in the center of the image was a common form. The scarab was associated with the Ancient Egyptian deity, Khepri, who was believed to roll the disk of the sun up and over the eastern horizon each morning--and across the sky. As a result the scarab became associated with the idea of rebirth and renewal after death, a fitting symbol for a burial and tomb.
