Dating to Egypt's Third Intermediate Period, approximately 1070-712 B.C. Of typical simple form with pale blue glaze, with exquisite and crisp detailing. The djed pillar amulet was one of the most common of all those placed on the mummy, and can perhaps be understood as the backbone of Osiris, or that of the deceased associated with him. The Egyptians recognized the importance of the spine and saw it as a symbol that kept Osiris, the resurrected god, intact and able to function. Spell 151e of the Book of the Dead refers to the djed-pillar amulet as “the magical protection of Osiris,” and spell 155 was recited over this amulet as it was placed on the throat of a mummy. As a hieroglyph, the djed-pillar denotes the more abstract concepts of stability, endurance, and rejuvenation. A number of them could be strung around the lower torso, or placed singly on the upper chest or around the neck. Much larger than most at 2-1/2"H.

Provenance: Ex-private Toronto, Ontario Collection.

This lot will be sold not subject to a reserve. The starting price is the price at which the item can sell.

intact/excellent condition