Djed Pillar Amulet

Late Period

ca. 664–332 B.C.

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 127

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

Overview

Provenance

Title: Djed Pillar Amulet
Period: Late Period
Date: ca. 664–332 B.C.
Geography: From Egypt
Medium: Faience
Dimensions: H. 17.8 × W. 5.3 × D. 2 cm (7 × 2 1/16 × 13/16 in.)
Credit Line: Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926
Object Number: 26.7.1039
Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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