These three πΌ pieces in the Brooklyn Museum are embellishments made of wood π±ππΊ that were meant to attach to furniture. They are from the 18th Dynasty and these pieces look so good after so long because Egyptβs ππ ππ environment is ideal for preserving wood π±ππΊ because itβs so dry. There isnβt the risk of mold (in most places) so the wood π±ππΊ can be preserved decently well.
The Djed Pillar π½ (both ends) is associated with Osiris πΉπ¨π and his regenerative powers. The Djed Pillar π½ is thought to represent Osirisβ πΉπ¨π spine, hence why it was used to represent the word βstabilityβ in hieroglyphs πΉππͺ. It was usually used in a funerary context, and Djed pillar π½ amulets ππͺπ π¦ were placed on mummies ππΉπ ±πΎπͺ to help enhance powers of regeneration. It is one of the most easily recognized symbols in Egyptian art. Itβs use can be traced back to the Old Kingdom.
The tyet knot π¬ (the middle), also known as the Isis knot π¬, was considered a very strong symbol of protection and came to be associated with Isis π¨ππ₯. The Egyptians believed that knots π¬ were able to bind and then release magic. The Isis Knots π¬ were also mostly used in a funerary context, as amulets ππͺπ π¦ placed on mummies ππΉπ ±πΎπͺ, so it is very interesting to see both symbols made of wood π±ππΊ and used for furniture!