Djed-pillar Amulet
664 BCE - 332 BCE
Late Period (664-332 BCE)
1 3/8 x 1/2 x 5/16 in. (3.5 x 1.3 x 0.8 cm)
Egyptian artist
Egypt
Object Type:
Ceramics
Medium and Support:
Faience
Credit Line:
Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts
Accession Number:
26.2003L
Location: Currently on view
Amulets are small objects that represent gods, goddesses, and symbols of rebirth. Made of bronze, clay, or stone, they offered the wearer sacred protection both in the world of the living and in the afterlife. Ancient Egyptians wore amulets as jewelry
during life; priests would also place amulets within the wrappings of a mummy as they prepared it for burial. Certain amulets were placed in specific locations on the mummy, such as over the heart, the throat, or the incision on the abdomen.
The djed-pillar is the symbol of the god Osiris’ backbone and represents stability and strength. Priests placed small djed-pillar amulets near the spine of the deceased during the wrapping process.
[Gallery label text, 2009]