These rare amulets are magical artefacts1. It was believed that burying prisoners guaranteed dominion over enemies and control over external threats to order2. They were made in lead, limestone, wax, faience, cartonnage and bronze from the prehistoric Period to the Roman one1
Green glazed prostrate captive L 5.5 Early Dynastic Period Source unknown
Damaged red limestone seated man with an eye of crystal H 3.2, W 1.6 First Intermediate Period © 2017 University College London LDUCE-UC #8935
Blue glazed woman H 2.8 Late Dynasty 18 Amarna Period © 2017 University College London LDUCE-UC #2010
References
1Petrie W M F. Amulets, 1914, p. 19 and Figs. 60a-c
2See the description of a statuette of a bound prisoner, Brooklyn Museum #73.23