Djed Pillar Amulet

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Djed Pillar Amulet

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

DescriptionFormed in the shape of a djed pillar. The surface had a light blue glaze, much of which has weathered to green and brown tones over time.

Label TextThis amulet represents a djed pillar, a powerful symbol of stability and endurance in ancient Egypt. Shaped like a column with four horizontal bars at the top, the djed came to be associated with the backbone of Osiris, the god of the afterlife and rebirth. Its presence in burials was believed to help the deceased remain strong and upright in the next world. Djed amulets were often placed within the mummy wrappings, especially near the spine, to ensure bodily integrity and support resurrection.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.