Egypt, Late Dynastic Period, 26th to 31st Dynasty, ca. 664 to 332 BCE. A wonderful example of a mold-formed djed pillar pendant of sizable form with a gently flared foot, a tiered upper body, and a suspension hole drilled through the integral dorsal pillar, all covered in lustrous blue-green glaze. The djed pillar amulet was one of the most popular to be placed on the mummy, and was also interpreted as the backbone of Osiris, or that of the deceased associated with him. The Egyptians recognized the importance of the spine and saw it as a symbol that kept Osiris, the resurrected god, intact and able to function. Spell 151e of the Book of the Dead refers to the djed-pillar amulet as "the magical protection of Osiris" and spell 155 was likely recited over this amulet as it was placed on the throat of a mummy. As a hieroglyph, the djed-pillar denotes the more abstract concepts of stability, endurance, and rejuvenation. Size: 0.9" W x 2.3" H (2.3 cm x 5.8 cm)
Provenance: private Toronto, Ontario, Canada collection, by descent, acquired in Egypt in 1894 to 1896
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#167112
Condition
Minor abrasions and fading to glaze pigment, otherwise intact and very good. Great remains of glaze pigment throughout.