Amulet

This rectangular amulet made of blue-green glazed steatite and pierced through along the longitudinal axis was originally worn on a chain or set in a ring. One side is inscribed with the name of the chief god of ancient Thebes, Amun-Re. The other side features various protective symbols; the largest figure is the chief god of Memphis, Ptah, shown in profile, wearing his characteristic mummy shroud and tight-fitting priestly cap, holding a was-sceptre symbolising power. At the bottom left, in front of the figure of the god, a djed-pillar, the symbol of endurance and stability was engraved. At the top left, the sitting figure of the goddess of truth, Maat completes the decoration. According to ancient Egyptian beliefs, the names, images or symbols of the gods could endow their wearer with magical powers, which could protect the bodies of mortals during their lifetime or help them on their journey through the netherworld.