A talisman is any object ascribed with religious or magical powers intended to protect, heal, or harm individuals for whom they are made. Talismans are often portable objects carried on someone in a variety of ways, but can also be installed permanently in architecture. Talismans are closely linked with amulets, fulfilling many of the same roles, but a key difference is in their form and materiality, with talismans often taking the form of objects which are inscribed with magic texts.
The Talisman of Charlemagne, also a reliquary, said to have been found on his body when his tomb was opened
Christian talisman (Breverl), 18th century
Islamic talisman engraved with a quote from the Quran, 7th or 8th century AD
Polygonal talisman inscribed with micro-calligraphy, 17th century India
An amulet, also known as a good luck charm or phylactery, is an object believed to confer protection upon its possessor. The word "amulet" comes from the Latin word amuletum, which Pliny's Natural History describes as "an object that protects a person from trouble". Anything can function as an amulet; items commonly so used include statues, coins, drawings, plant parts, animal parts, and written words.
A nazar, an amulet to ward off the evil eye
Djed, wadj, and figures of gods; amulets made of Egyptian faience.
Amulet, amber, with ear of wheat, Roman period (69-96 AD)
A selection of omamori, Japanese amulets
