Djed Pillar Amulet
Depicted is the so called djed pillar in its usual shape, which consists of a long vertical shaft, topped by four horizontal crossbars. At the top is a small headdress in the shape of the white crown of Upper Egypt. More common for djed pillars is the so called atef crown, which is associated with the god Osiris and represents a combination of the white crown with ostrich feathers. On the back of this sizeable amulet is a tall back pillar.
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.
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.
Artwork Details
- Title: Djed Pillar Amulet
- Period: Late Period–Ptolemaic Period
- Date: ca. 664–30 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt
- Medium: Faience
- Dimensions: H. 8.2 × W. 2.5 × Th. 1.3 cm (3 1/4 × 1 × 1/2 in.)
- Credit Line: Bequest of Nanette B. Kelekian, 2020
- Object Number: 2021.41.22
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
ca. 872–664 BCE
664–525 BCE
4th century B.C.
360–343 BCE
200–30 B.C.
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.