Djed pillar Amulet

Djed pillar Amulet

Period:Late Period–Ptolemaic PeriodDynasty:Dynasty 26–29Date:664–30 B.C.Geography:From EgyptMedium:FaienceDimensions:H. 4.5cm (1 3/4 in); w. 1.7cm (11/16 in); th. 0.9cm (3/8 in)

This emblem of Osiris, god of the underworld, was a potent symbol of regeneration and therefore made to accompany the mummy on its journey. What the form represents is unknown: a leafless tree or a pole with notches or attachments. Eventually it came to represent the backbone of Osiris and in the New Kingdom decorated the bases of coffins.

http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/548359