A turquoise amulet in the shape of a papyrus stem
Example of a wadj amulet

The Wadj amulet (also known as the papyrus column or scepter) is an Ancient Egyptian amulet in the shape of a papyrus stem. These amulets were made out of turquoise feldspar[1] or Egyptian faience, as is indicated in the Book of the Dead.[2]

Though usually taking the form of a papyrus stem, they are also known to also encompass rectangular plaques with depictions of papyrus on them.[1] In Ancient Egyptian, the word wadj means "green," though it is also known to refer to health and to flourish in life.[3]

Wadj amulets were a symbol of eternal youth, and were often placed upon a dead body around the neck upon burial to ensure eternal youth in the afterlife.[2] The amulets have been dated to the Late Period of Egypt, specifically between the 26th and 30th dynasties (664–332 BC).[4] Spells from the Book of the Dead state that if a wadj amulet is found intact, the wearer is healthy in the afterlife.[1]

Artifacts

Specific artifacts have been found around New Kingdom archaeological sites. One held at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston was found at the Giza Plateau.[5]

References

  1. ^ a b c Arico, Ashley. "Papyrus Column". Johns Hopkins Archaeological Museum. Johns Hopkins University. Retrieved 5 September 2019.
  2. ^ a b Hale, Jennifer. "Ancient Egyptian Religion". Egyptology Page: Book of Thoth. Retrieved 5 September 2019.
  3. ^ Hill, Jenny. "Meaning of green in ancient Egypt". Ancient Egypt Online. Retrieved 5 September 2019.
  4. ^ "Papyrus column(wadj) amulet". Metropolitan Museum of Art. Retrieved 5 September 2019.
  5. ^ "Wadj amulet". Museum of Fine Arts Boston. Retrieved 6 September 2019.
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