Reproducing human limbs. Prosthesis, amulets and votive objects in Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egyptians usually made use of amulets with apotropaic and propitious function. Part of these objects were used to simulate body limb with magical and medical purpose because they were considered as substitutes for a missing or diseased part of human body. They could be worn as pendants to have protection or buried with the deceased to supply the missing part and to be reanimated magically after death. Missing limb could be replaced also by artificial one to restore mummy because only a well preserved body was a guarantee of eternity. Amulets in form of human limb and duplicate of such parts were also used to increase their function. Exemplars of wooden penis, ears etc. from Egyptian temples show their importance within rituals. Finally, sculpted feet, hands and other limbs were donated as votive objects to thanks gods for recovery or ask for health also during Greek and Roman Era.