The Symbolic World of Egyptian Amulets

Book excerpt: The amulets of ancient Egypt are an extraordinary testimony to the unique originality and wealth of Pharaonic civilization. This intriguing book unlocks their symbolic secrets. Small as they are, they speak to us on many topics: the everyday cares of the Nile Valley peasant in an environment he has yet to master, the complexity of the pantheon and the sacred bestiary and the subtle physiognomies of royalty. Using the approach pioneered by Jacques- douard Berger, ever sensitive to what the object has to say, we discover the outcome of an ardent quest for the 'neter' - universal, divine harmony - through objects that communicate the nefer - the expression of all beauty and plenitude. Most of the amulets shown are on display in the Mus, e de Design et d'Arts Appliqu, s Contemporains (MUDAC) at Lausanne, where the Jacques- douard Berger collection is on long-term loan.