Amulets are small objects to which magical properties were attributed ; they were often Carried about the person in order to ward off evil spirits (or in some cases attract them).
They were sometimes ornamental in themselves, or might consist of inscriptions on cloth or parchment enclosed in cases, plain or decorative.
Egyptian Amulets. a Girdle of Isis. Assured the wearer of the protection of the holy blood of the goddess. b The Heart. c Snake's Head. Placed in tombs to prevent the deceased being bitten by snakes in the under-world. d The Pillow. Typified the raising up and preservation of the head. e Typified the strength and power of the Eye of Horus. f Human-headed Hawk. Ensured to the deceased the power of uniting his body, soul, and spirit at will. g The Papyrus Sceptre. (From a late 1800's British Museum Guide.)
Amulets were much worn in Etruscan and Roman times, and from their usual form (a hollow of thin metal containing the charm) the name of bulla (a bubble) was given to them.
The Anglo-Saxons and other barbarian tribes wore crystal balls in this way.
During the Middle Ages the metals were dedicated each to a different planet, and in the case of a metal amulet the sign of the appropriate planet should be engraved on it. The Sun’s metal was gold, and silver that of the Moon.
