 |
|
| Item Number: |
9M0RV |
|
|
| Category: |
Egyptian |
|
|
| Period: |
Late Period |
|
|
| Date: |
c. 25th-30th Dynasty, 712-332 B.C. |
|
|
| Material: |
Faience |
|
|
| Height: |
1 1/8" (2.7cm) |
|
|
| Display Stand: |
Not Available |
|
|
| Price: |
$ 250 (USD) |
|
|
| Status: |
Available |
|
|
|
|
| Description: |
Blue-green glazed faience composition amulet, representing the backbone of Osiris and symbolizing strength and stability, carved in the shape of a tall shaft with 4 horizontal bars, on the back side of the pillar stands a taller column, pierced for suspension. The Spell 155 of the Book of the Dead, refers to its function as follows: "I am the magical protection of Osiris." It’s a magical spell, to be recited over a djed pillar, placed over the throat of the deceased on the day of burial.
|
| Provenance: |
Ex. Estate of Ursula Liebert, Bloomfield Hills, MI. Collection vetted by Dr. William Peck, former curator Detroit Institute of Arts.
|
| Condition: |
Intact
|
| References: |
Amulets of Ancient Egypt By Carol Andrews
(1994)
|
| Keywords: |
Djed: Cruciform-like symbol with at least three cross bars. The ancient Egyptian symbol of stability associated with the god Sokar and Ptah, at later times it became the symbol of Osiris (god of the dead), in the book of the dead it is said to represent his backbone.
Amulet: Term used to describe the small prophylactic charms favored by the Egyptians and other peoples. The Egyptians called these items ‘meket’, ‘nehet’, or ‘sa’, all words deriving from verbs meaning ‘to protect’, the term ‘wedja’ meaning ‘well being’ was also used. As well as affording protection, they may have been intended to imbue the wearer with particular qualities, or powers. Amulets that were worn in daily life, were used to protect the bearer, other amulets were made to adorn the mummified body of the deceased, and to protect the deceased in the afterlife.
|
|
|
|
