Lot 18
Ancient Egypt, Late Dynastic Period, 26th to 31st Dynasty, ca. 664 to 332 BCE. A lovely faience amulet depicting a djed pillar covered in turquoise-hued glaze. The djed pillar amulet was one of the most popular to be placed on the mummy, and was also interpreted 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 likely 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. Size: 0.40" L x 0.94" W x 2.3" H (1 cm x 2.4 cm x 5.8 cm); 3.50" H (8.9 cm) on included custom stand.
The djed pillar is one of the oldest and most symbolic images in ancient Egyptian culture, and its myriad interpretations are incredibly diverse. According to contributing writer Terence DuQuesne, "The djed pillar is one of the most important symbols of Osiris, lord of the netherworld, protector of the justified soul, and judge of the dead. Osiris is also a deity of plant fertility, and the pillar may be a schematic representation of a sacred tree, though the fact that early examples are made of ivory militates against this theory. Alternatively it could represent a pole to which sheaves of grain were attached." (Hornung, Erik and Betsy M. Bryan, eds. "The Quest for Immortality: Treasures of Ancient Egypt." National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2002, p. 111)
Exhibited in the Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art (RAFFMA), California State University, San Bernardino from 2004 to 2023, reference number EL03.012.2004
Provenance: Collection of Dr. W. Benson Harer, Los Angeles, California, USA; Exhibited in the Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art (RAFFMA), California State University, San Bernardino from 2004 to 2023, reference number EL03.012.2004
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#182221
- Condition: Minor nicks and abrasions, with light pitting in scattered areas, otherwise intact and excellent. Great remains of glaze throughout. Amulet is adhered to display stand.
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