Amethyst Fish Amulet (Dynasty 12, ca. 1938-1795 BC) These amulets would have been worn hanging down from a lock of hair and would have protected the wearer from drowning. The fish represented is a Synodontis, a type of catfish that often swims upside-down at the surface of the water. The ancient Egyptians saw this as a magical ability to stay afloat in the water, and as such it became a powerful charm to keep one from being submerged. | Emory | Michael C. Carlos Museum