For the Ancient Egyptians, amulets were not only decorative but also considered to bestow power and protection upon the wearer. Many amulets have been found inside the wrapping of mummies to ensure a safe journey into the afterlife, but amulets were also used by the living for protection or in order to have their wishes granted. Amulets, depending on their type or form, had different meanings, with small amulets depicting the gods, whether in a human or animal form, thought to have induced protective powers over the wearer.
Poppy or cornflower amulets often appear in association with healing, the removal of pain and death. Amulets of this type were also associated with the Egyptian god Osiris, who was the god of agriculture as well as death and the afterlife. Both flowers were commonly found across Egypt, but especially around the Nile. Poppies also carried associations with rebirth and resilience due to the hardy nature of the plant.
To find out more about Ancient Egyptian amulets please see our relevant blog post: Egyptian Amulets and their Meanings.
