The Amulet of the Tet symbolizes the resurrection of Osiris and is a symbol of rebirth, new life and hope. It is the oldest symbol of Osiris and considered the counterpart of the ankh symbol. The word tet means preservation, balance, firmness and stability.
It has four cross bars that indicate four important cardinal points and the four branches of the World-tree. It was a revered object in the entire Egypt and symbolized the top most religious priority for the Egyptians. It also signified the establishment of Djed at a place called Busiris; this action formed the reconstituting of the mortal remains of Osiris.
The Amulet of the Tet represents a tree that grew by the casket of Osiris and also the represents the place where the goddess Isis hid the dead corpse of her husband. It was also used as pillar in a Byblos palace.
The ancient Egyptians used the amulet to help in the transformation of human flesh into the spiritual form assumed by the deceased in eternity.
The Tet (djed) symbol is also known as the Backbone of the Egyptian god Osiris and the Emblem of the Mystery. The earliest source of the Djed is the ancient Delta town of Djedu. They called their town the birthplace of Osiris. Per Usir (Busiris) means “The Emergence of Osiris”.
The Amulet of the Tet used as an amulet
This significant amulet relates to the CLVth Chapter of the Book of the Dead. It reads as followed:
Rise up thou, O Osiris! Thou hast thy backbone, O Still-Heart! Thou hast the fastenings of thy neck and back, O Still-Heart! Place thou thyself upon thy base, I put water beneath thee, and I bring unto thee a Tet of gold that thou mayest rejoice therein.
Just like the Amulet of the Buckle, this amulet needed to be immersed in ankhem rich water and was then laid upon the neck of the deceased or where the mummy’s spine would rest. This solemn process provided an immense power to reconstitute the body, to become a well formed Khu (i.e., spirit) on the underworld. It should also bring the resurrection of the deceased, allowing their life to be eternal und their fertility to be undiminished.
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