An amulet is an object believed to confer protection upon its possessor. It is also known as a good luck charm or phylactery. The word "amulet" comes from the Latin word amuletum, which means "an object that protects a person from trouble". Anything can function as an amulet, including statues, coins, drawings, plant parts, animal parts, and written words. Amulets are typically part of folk religion or paganism, and they are said to derive their extraordinary properties and powers from magic or those which impart luck.
Talisman and amulets have interchangeable meanings. Amulets refer to any object which has the power to protect or bring good fortune. They are carried on the person or kept in the place that is the desired sphere of influence. The terms amulet and talisman are often used interchangeably, but a talisman is sometimes defined as an engraved amulet.
Natural amulets are of many kinds, including precious stones, metals, teeth and claws of animals, bones, plants, and so on. Man-made amulets, equally varied, include religious medallions and small figurines. Among believers, amulets are thought to derive power from their connection with natural forces, from religious associations, or from being made in a ritual manner at a favorable time.
In ancient Egypt, amulets were abundant and most were probably inexpensive, which made them available to nearly everyone. An amulet is an object believed to have certain positive properties that, as the amulet’s main function, can magically be bestowed upon its owner. In ancient Egypt, this magical power was often derived from a combination of several aspects, such as the amulet’s shape, decoration, inscription, color, material, and words spoken over the piece or acts performed with it. Amulets were usually worn or placed on the body to transfer their powers directly to the owner.
