Hand+and+Fist+Amulet

Hand and Fist Amulet

Starting during the Old Kingdom, small amulets of hands and fists were commonly included in bracelets. These amulets protected the limbs and extremities of their wearers, while possibly conferring abilities such as dexterity or creative potential. These objects, which accompanied the deceased, protected the parts represented, and if necessary served as substitutes for a damaged part. The fist and hand amulets probably derived from magical protective gestures. Hand and fist amulets were commonly made of carnelian, ivory, copper, alabaster, feldspar, bone, limestone, or faience.

Amulets of Body Parts