Amulets

Amulets were jewellery items worn by the living and the dead to warn off evil spirits and bad luck. These ones are from 747 BC and represent the eye of Horus. Horus was the god of the sky and looked like a falcon with a human body.

Amulets are powerful symbols of health and protection.

Clay Tablet

Clay tablets were used to write on with a split reed stalk and then dried. When they are dried they become indestructible which is why this tablet has survived until today.

Egyptian Headrest

These were sometimes used in beds in ancient Egypt instead of pillows. They were sometimes padded to make them more comfortable. This headrest is from 2181 BC.

Mace Head

This is a weapon and is made from either marble or limestone. It is dated from 53000 BC. They are often decorated with battle scenes.

Palaeolith

This was a tool which may have been used for cutting.

Metal was not known at this time and tools were made from stone, wood, antler or bone. This object is from the Egyptian Stone Age which was in 700,000 BC.