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Djed-column Amulet

Place of production Egypt
Date 6th-4th centuries B.C.
Object type amulet
Medium, technique Egyptian faience
Dimensions

3.7 x 1.3 x 0.87 cm (1 7/16 x 1/2 x 5/16 in.)

Inventory number 87.13-E
Collection Egyptian Art
On view Museum of Fine Arts, Basement Floor, Ancient Egypt, Daily life

Amulets, produced from various materials constitute one of the most characteristic groups of the Egyptian material culture, which can be found in almost all of the contexts and periods of Ancient Egypt. Amulets are generally small objects, which according to their form, size and colour had the power to provide magical protection for their users in everyday life, and in addition were used as tomb equipment for the netherworld.
The djed-pillar as a hieroglyphic sign and a characteristic cult object of Sokaris, and later of Ptah, is regarded as the symbol of stability. From as early as the Eighteenth Dynasty, it was acknowledged as the symbol of Osiris, representing his backbone, and it became a prominent funerary amulet type. The details of the finely decorated faience djed-amulet attest to it having been made in the Late Period.

This record is subject to revision due to ongoing research.

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