The use of amulets as a practice of religiosity in New Kingdom’s Egypt (1550-1070 a.C)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2177-4218.v12i1p27-52Keywords:
Ancient Egypt, Amulets, Religiosity, Magical practicesAbstract
In this article we will show how the use of amulets in ancient Egypt is an expression of the religiosity of people in this society - herein understood as a concept that encompasses piety, beliefs and personal practices. Through magical formulas that confirm the prescription of amulets for various situations in life, such as childbirth, infant mortality and dangerous animal attacks, we will attest that the use of amulets was considered an appropriate approach to successfully overcome these situations. The authenticity of these prescriptions is corroborated by the material culture of burials at the site of Gurob which reflect the same patterns of use regarding which types of amulets were used, the position in which they were and with whom they were deposite. Hence, textual sources together with archaeological data will make it possible to understand amulets as a practice that expresses personal religious beliefs.
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