- Material: 100% Sterling silver
- Weight: 6.3 grams
- More than 1 inch wide x more than 1-1/4 inch tall excluding bail (17 x 43mm)
- Item number: wh248
This handsome silver pendant represents the ancient Egyptian symbol 'Ankh' - the Key of Life and symbol of Eternal Life.
Appropriately, its cross bar or arms are depicted as the feathered wings of Isis, the famous goddess who turned herself into a bird so that she could search for the scattered pieces of her severed husband in order to resurrect him back to life. The intersection of the wings and the vertical 'handle' is further decorated with a scarab, a reference to the dung beetle which according to ancient legend rolled the sun back to its original position every night so that it would rise again the next morning - another symbol of rebirth and eternal life.
The wings and scarab are highlighted with an oxidized finish, bringing out the careful detailing and contrasting with the rest of the pendant, which is simple and polished.
The reverse side of the pendant has a nice overall hammered finish.
The ancient Egyptian hieroglyph known as Ankh symbolizes 'Life' and 'Eternal Life'. It was one of the most popular and widespread symbols in ancient Egypt and is found repeatedly in their wall art, carvings, pottery and other artifacts. It was closely associated with their gods, who were often depicted carrying the Ankh by its handle.
