In ancient Egypt, charms and amulets were an integral part of daily life. From pharaoh to peasant, all Egyptians protected themselves with talismans for luck, health, and good fortune. This unusual amulet depicts a bird, perhaps an ostrich, seated atop a circular disk that may represent the sun. According to legend, the ostrich danced each morning to greet the rising sun, and as such this little charm would represent eternal and joyous rebirth like a sunrise. Its double holes suggest it was strung in a beaded collar and worn about the neck. Though the world has changed in many ways since Egypt was in her glory, it cannot hurt to have the benevolent protection of its ancient magic.