Egyptian Carved Wood Amulet Djed Pillar

Egypt, Late Dynastic to Ptolemaic Period, ca. 664 to 30 BCE. A hand-carved wooden amulet in the form of a djed pillar, one of the most instantly recognizable symbols from ancient Egypt. The columnar object presents a corseted lower body, a squat tenon protruding from the base of the integral dorsal pillar, and a tiered upper body incised with vertical striations around each level, all wrapped in layers of smooth, coffee brown patina. The djed pillar is highly symbolic of the spine - especially that of Osiris, god of the underworld - and was believed to be the energy conduit necessary for resurrecting the dead. The lower tenon suggests this was perhaps an ornament used for adorning a coffin lid. Lucite display stand for photography purposes only. Size: 1.625" W x 4.6" H (4.1 cm x 11.7 cm)

For an example of a jackal-headed figure, perhaps Anubis, holding a djed pillar, please see The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 10.130.2444

Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection, before 2000

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#122206
Condition Report: Minor abrasions to pillar and lower tenon, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits within some recessed areas and great patina throughout.