Meresankhs

Meresankhs were ancient Egyptian amulets, typically made of gold, silver, or faience, and often depicted in the form of a woman with the head of a cat. The term "Meresankh" translates to "Beloved of the Cat," reflecting the ancient Egyptians' reverence for the cat, which they associated with the goddess Bastet. These amulets were believed to protect their wearers from evil spirits and bring good fortune. They were often worn as pendants or carried in small boxes, and their popularity spanned various dynasties, from the Old Kingdom to the Ptolemaic period. The design of Meresankhs varied, but they commonly featured the goddess Bastet with a cat's head, sometimes accompanied by other protective symbols or hieroglyphs. Despite their widespread use, the exact origins and meanings of Meresankhs remain subjects of scholarly debate.