Djed Pillar Amulet

Late Period

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 130

The djed-pillar is a stylized representation of an early fetish that probably consisted of plant material. From the beginning of ancient Egyptian history, it was used as a symbol signifying permanence. Later it was associated with the god Osiris and identified as his backbone. The djed-pillar here was probably used as a funerary amulet to ensure permanence and to closely connect the deceased to Osiris, who was revived after death.

Djed Pillar Amulet, Faience

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