Symbols of Ancient Egypt: Pilar Djed

July 15, 2020

The Djed pillar, often seen as a symbol of stability, is subject to various interpretations. One prevalent theory suggests that it represents the spine of Osiris, which, according to myth, was magically restored by Thoth and Isis after Osiris's altercation with Seth, thereby granting him renewed use of his legs. Aaron G. Filler posits that this myth could be indicative of the first neurosurgical procedure in history. This interpretation is further supported by the frequent depiction of the pillar on the rear of sarcophagi.

Another hypothesis associates the Djed pillar with the column inside which Osiris's sarcophagus was secured in Byblos.

While some researchers propose a connection to a tree, the true origin and representation of the Djed remain uncertain. Initially, it may have been an agrarian symbol linked to the deities Sokar and Ptah, which Osiris later adopted.

Additionally, there are more speculative theories, such as those suggesting ancient Egyptian contact with extraterrestrials, which propose that the Djed pillar could have functioned as an electrical generator.

The erection of the Djed pillar ceremony is well-documented within the region of Taui (Memphis), most likely in honor of the deity Ptah. It symbolizes the monarch's stability, the resurrection of Osiris, and his triumph over Set. This ritual was customarily reiterated during the sovereign's Heb Sed festival.

In terms of visual depictions of the pillar, there are multiple instances available for observation and study. The most renowned depiction is located in the hypostyle hall of Seti I's temple at Abydos, where it is uniquely adorned with a pair of eyes. Additionally, two prominent pillars are depicted on the temple's north and south walls. Within the Isis chapel, another smaller representation exists, extending from the goddess's scepter to include an ankh presented to the monarch.

This iconography is also present in the Osiris chapel. The Djed pillar recurs throughout the temple; however, an image of particular significance is found on the west wall of the Osiris vestibule. It portrays the king, assisted by Isis, raising the pillar as a symbol for Osiris, signifying his ability to rise.

It was also depicted in amulet form, such as the one exhibited below, which resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. This piece is part of a collection that includes an ankh and scepter and is categorized as a Late Period amulet. In this context, it was exclusively utilized as part of the burial artifacts.

Likewise, from dynasties spanning the 21st to the 30th, we encounter numerous depictions of the pillar across a diverse array of formats. Beyond the previously mentioned amulets, it is also commonly found within sarcophagi:

Jean-Pierre Dalbéra from Paris, France

boxes for Ushabtis (this is from the new Kingdom)

Walters Art Museum

or as part of funeral enclosures like the one of the step pyramid in Saqqara:

In the context of funerary rituals, we encounter references both in the Pyramid Texts and, consequently, in the Coffin Texts, and most notably, within the Book of the Dead.

Pyramid Text Formula 410, known as "A Prayer to the Djed Pillar," reads, "O you from Busiris, O Djed Pillar that resides in Djedu, may the king be your protection, may the king always be your protection; the king finds you established in the fortress of Jaty where the gods reside; those who bear the ka are brought before him, there they come."

Additional mentions of the pillar are present, but the most explicit is found within the Book of the Dead, specifically in the Papyrus of Ani. Here we observe Aset (Isis) and Nebthet (Nephthys) in the presence of Wesir (Osiris), who is depicted as the Djed pillar.