Djed Pillar Amulet

Unknown

664–30 B.C. · Faience · Egyptian Art

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.

Artist

Unknown

Date

664–30 B.C.

Medium

Faience

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Gift of Joseph W. Drexel, 1889