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Amulet of a djed-pillar
Egyptian
Late Period
664–332 B.C.
Findspot: Egypt, Tell Nabasha, Body A, Tomb 23
Medium/Technique
Fine grained basalt or possibly obsidian
Dimensions
Overall: 3.4 x 1.9 cm (1 5/16 x 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Egypt Exploration Fund by subscription
Accession Number87.671.53
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Amulets
DescriptionThis amulet is possibly made of a fine grained basalt or obsidian. It is one of sixty beads and amulets from the wrappings of a single mummy. (Body A, Tomb 23). The amulet represents the djed-pillar. The pillar, which symbolized the spinal column of the funerary god Osiris, was the hieroglyphic symbol for stability.
ProvenanceFrom Tell Nabasha, Tomb 23, body A. 1886, excavated by William Matthew Flinders Petrie for the Egypt Exploration Fund, assigned to the EEF by the Egyptian government; presented to the MFA at EEF fifth annual general meeting; sent over June 1, 1887. (Accession date: January 1, 1887)