Researchers have reported the discovery of a rare mummified child buried along with a green amulet stone, providing further evidence that the ancient Egyptians believed the stone and the stone’s color itself wielded magical powers.
The first colored amulets occurred as early as the predynastic Badarian period, from 4500 to 3800 B.C., said lead author Raffaella Bianucci, a scientist in the Department of Animal and Human Biology at Via Accademia Albertina in Turin, Italy. Her study is set to be published in next month’s issue of the Journal of Archaeological Science.
The recent find, which dates back 4,700 years, contains the remains of a 15- to 18- month-old toddler. Bianucci and her team determined the child died of an acute malarial infection.
The toddler was wrapped in linen bandages, in which researchers discovered a fossilized leather bag that contained two stones. Researchers focused on the bright green stone.
Using X-rays and electron microscope analysis, researchers determined that the stone was chrysocolla, or hydrated copper silica.
"Even in limited forms and materials, these earliest amulets give a good indication of the dangerous forces that the early Egyptians felt were present in their world and needed to be harnessed by magical means," said Bianucci.
The find also explains why many ancient hieroglyphics that depict Egyptian children wearing green eye makeup. It also adds to the growing body of evidence that ancient Egyptians thought color itself held sacred energy that could help or hurt individuals.
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