What was the Role of Jewellery, Crystals and Talismans as Symbols of Power, Healing and Protection from Injury and Sickness?
The ancient Egyptians used many crystals in their jewellery which in their religion, symbolised mainly protection and health. These crystals where Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, Carnelian, Topaz and Emerald. However these gems weren’t just used as jewellery, the ancient Egyptians also carved amulets and talismans out of them. The crystal Lapis Lazuli resembled the transformation of their lives through supernatural forces. This is because the deep blue was used as a spiritual difference from the colour of their arid desert and the gold flecks within the cobalt blue symbolised the stars in the night sky. When they mediated on the Lapis Lazuli, it was believed supernatural forces would change their life for the better. The colour of Lapis Lazuli was commonly found on the garments of the rulers and the Egyptians would also ground the gem into a fine powder to use as eye-shadow and dye because the colour was so highly regarded in their civilisation. The Turquoise crystal was thought to bring power, luck and protection to whom possessed it, in Ancient Egypt. Turquoise was very often found in burial objects and tombs because the ancient Egyptians believed it would protect the deceased throughout the journey to the afterlife. Therefore King Tutankhamen’s burial mask had intricate features of Turquoise embedded in it because of its believed power. The Carnelian was in the top three most commonly used gems along with Lapis Lazuli and Turquoise in ancient Egypt. It was thought as a very scared gem to the god Isis and the Isis knot was traditionally carved out of Carnelian. Since Isis protected the deceased, when a Carnelian stone was placed on a body before burial, it was believed she would respond to that and protect them on their journey to the afterlife. In ancient Egypt, Emerald was a very valuable crystal that was both kept in its original form or carved into talismans. This is because it stood for re-birth, fertility and had the power to ease childbirth. Many mummies would be buried with an Emerald placed around their neck in hope the would be served with eternal youth. As a talisman, Emerald was believed to ward of the evil spirits. Topaz was also believed to posses strong powers because it was thought to have been coloured from the golden ray of Ra, the sun god. This gave the Topaz crystal powers to protect the faithful against any harm in ancient Egypt.
Additionally, every green coloured stone in ancient Egypt would resemble the heart of the deceased, therefore would be often included in burials.
In conclusion the ancient Egyptians used multiple crystals and talismans in their religion and they were a very important part of their everyday lives.
Additionally, every green coloured stone in ancient Egypt would resemble the heart of the deceased, therefore would be often included in burials.
In conclusion the ancient Egyptians used multiple crystals and talismans in their religion and they were a very important part of their everyday lives.