Aegis

Aegis


 * Egyptian Name:**

//Wesekh or Usekh//


 * Other Names:**

Broad Collar, Pectoral Collar, Collar of Gold


 * Hieroglyphics:**



From the Greek word for "shield," the Egyptian Aegis was a collar-like necklace bearing a divine head as symbol of protection and fertility. Often made of gold but sometimes faience, silver, or bronze instead, it was worn by both men and women. The Aegis was buried with mummies, and was believed to symbolize the embrace of a deity. The Book of the Dead says that an Aegis must be placed on the neck of the deceased on the day of burial.

During the Third Intermediate Period, rings with tiny aegises were popular. The Aegis was frequently found on the prow of the sacred barque of a god. The head of deities such as Isis, Sekhmet, Bast, Amun, or Hathor were generally the subjects for an Aegis. The goddess Bast or Sekhmet were often shown holding an Aegis.

Magical Amulets