The Use of an Ancient Egyptian Amulet for the Living: University of Memphis (1994.4.268)

Identifier

2675

Author

Carolina Quintana

Date

2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Major

Art History

Concentration

Egyptian Art and Archaeology

Committee Chair

Lorelei Corcoran

Committee Member

Patricia Podzorski

Committee Member

Joshua Roberson

Abstract

This research analyzes the historical context and symbolism of a unique ancient egyptian artifact, an ancestor bust amulet, in the Institute of Egyptian Art and Archaeology from the University of Memphis (1994.4.268). This amulet is one of the only known in the world. We suggest that the living wore it as a representation of deceased relatives who achieved eternal life after successfully journeying through the Realm of the Dead, gaining the title of "effective spirit." The deceased the become intermediaries and affected the living. Because of this, the amulet offered protection by symbolizing the solar cycle of renewed existence.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

Recommended Citation

Quintana, Carolina, "The Use of an Ancient Egyptian Amulet for the Living: University of Memphis (1994.4.268)" (2016). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1417.
https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/etd/1417