‘Djed’ Pillar Amulet

Originally, this amulet’s shape represented a tree with its branches cut off, but later it became the backbone of Osiris, the god of death and resurrection. It symbolized stability and endurance and was very commonly found on mummies. A spell in the Book of the Dead emphasizes the regenerative power of this amulet. It says, ‘Raise yourself up Osiris! You have your backbone once more, O weary-hearted one; you have your vertebrae!’

For more, see Yasmin El Shazly's article ‘Dung Beetles & Sandal Straps’ from Rawi magazine’s Issue 7 available online (link in details).