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. From the New Kingdom on it was associated with the god Osiris and identified as his backbone. The djed-pillar here was used as funerary amulet to ensure permanence and to closely connect the deceased to Osiris, a god who was revived after death.

Artist

Unknown

Date

664–30 B.C.

Medium

Faience

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Gift of Mrs. Frederick F. Thompson, 1915