Amulet: Djed

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Amulet: Djed

Artist Unidentified

Period Late Period (Ancient Egyptian, 664–332 BCE)

Dynasty Dynasty 26 (Saite) (Ancient Egyptian, 664–525 BCE)

Dynasty Dynasty 27 (Persian) (Ancient Egyptian, 525–404 BCE)

Dynasty Dynasty 28 (Ancient Egyptian, 404–399 BCE)

Dynasty Dynasty 29 (Ancient Egyptian, 399–380 BCE)

Dynasty Dynasty 30 (Ancient Egyptian, 380–343 BCE)

Place of OriginEgypt

Date26th-30th Dynasties (664-332 BCE)

Dimensions2 1/2 × 3/4 × 3/8 in. (6.4 × 1.9 × 1 cm)

MediumEgyptian faience

ClassificationJewelry

Credit LineGift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

1906.62

On View

Toledo Museum of Art (2445 Monroe Street), Gallery, 02, Classic

DescriptionIn form of the DED-column. Light blue blaze, gone green to brown over much of its surface.

Label TextDating to the earliest centuries of dynastic Egypt, the symbolic image of the djed pillar was depicted throughout the long span of Egyptian history. Consisting of a round tapered shaft crowned by a series of circular moldings, it was a symbol of stability and endurance. For reasons lost to us, it was also described as the backbone of Osiris. As an amulet, it signified the hope for a successful transition to the next world and an eternal afterlife.Published ReferencesPeck, William H., Sandra E. Knudsen and Paula Reich, Egypt in Toledo: The Ancient Egyptian Collection at the Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo, Toledo Museum of Art, 2011, p. 78, repr. (col.) p. 79.Exhibition HistoryToledo Museum of Art, The Egypt Experience: Secrets of the Tomb, 2010-2012.