Egyptian Ankh Jewelry | Jewelry Based on a Powerful, Ancient Symbol

The hieroglyph
Ankh as a hieroglyph means life, commonly referred to as eternal life, sometimes as breath of life. Etymologists also refer to the term as 'soul'. The hieroglyph, which represents the sound ´nh (ankh), is found in many ancient tomb inscriptions, iconographic texts, art works, and other cultural expressions. Hieroglyphs composed of the ankh and other symbols are repeatedly used for concepts as happiness and health.

It is said the word "ankh" descended from "Sa", the hieroglyphic symbol for magical protection and an Egyptian amulet that symbolizes protection, especially regarding well-being during pregnancy, for the newborn, and for children.

The symbol
The ankh symbol is kind of mysterious because no one knows for sure what it exactly means. There are various lectures about its meaning but what the Ankh as a symbol exact means remains unclear. More about the several explanations further on this page.

photo by Cruxifiction | Wikimedia Commons

The reason why the ankh for example in the form of jewelry is so popular is because it is such a powerful and positive symbol.

Present day the ankh is still regarded as a very powerful symbol. It resembles life, prosperity, health and also happiness. Many people wear it, extracting peace of mind from it or just appreciate its significance. It is perceived worldwide as significant, powerful, optimistic and joyful.

Others use it as a means of healing. The legs kept towards the body it is thought to draw energy to oneself. The loop sends the power the Ankh accommodates. Some experience a nice kind of energy which helps them keep in balance.

Sterling silver and stainless steel Egyptian ankh necklaces. Click picture for more info.

Historians and other experts differ on the definitive meaning and interpretation of the ankh symbol. Some of the most popular views:

• One interpretation of the ankh symbol is that it resembles a sandal strap. Another states the ankh is a connection of the T-shaped cross resembling the Egyptian god of the afterlife Osiris and the oval shape symbolizing Egyptian goddess of fertility and motherhood Isis.



• The oval shape or loop of the Ankh is thought to resemble the feminine discipline (the womb), while the cross shaped part represents the masculine discipline (reproductive organ). Combined the two parts form life.



• Another version is that the loop symbolizes the sun while the cross represents the earth. Together they stand for the fertilization of the earth. Variations of this stand are the rising sun on the horizon and the path of the sun from east to west, with the oval shape resembling the Nile.

Photo by Nergal

14-karat yellow gold and white gold. Unique jewelry piece features an ankh design with sparkling round-cut diamonds

On many murals, tapestries, wall carvings and other art forms pharaoh's and gods were depicted wearing or holding the ankh by the loop. By holding the eternal life symbol a reference was made to the distinction between them and mortals.

By pointing or touching a king or queen to their lips or nose with the ankh, gods endowed them with the gift of eternal life, hence the name "breath of life". The ability to breathe they need in the afterlife. See the picture where goddess Isis points the ankh to Nefertari.

The ankh symbol was often carried by Egyptians as an amulet, either alone, or in connection with two other hieroglyphs that mean "strength" and "health." Mirrors were often made in the shape of an ankh. Sometimes, in art, the Ankh was shown being touched by a god onto a person, which usually symbolized conception.

A less widespread significance assigned to the image of the Ankh, is that of a rolled papyrus leaves, with their ends tied together by another papyrus sheet. The first page should contain a holy spell, which gives the Ankh its protective effect.

Some other interpretations of the meaning of the Ankh are; the phallus, a hand mirror, and a magic button or the rising sun on the horizon.

As a sun-symbol the ankh was almost never drawn in silver. The Egyptians almost invariably crafted important examples of it (for tombs or other purposes) from the metal they most associated with the sun, gold. A similar metal such as copper, burnished to a high sheen, was also sometimes used.

The ankh also often resembles a mirror. At one moment in history the word ´nkh (ankh) also meant "mirror" and subsequently many mirrors took the form of the hieroglyph. A mirror is used frequently as a metaphor, a beautiful symbolic way to show life and death are opposites.

A similar symbol, which is thought to be a symbolic representation of the womb, was used to represent the female sex in biology, refers to the Roman goddess Venus, and represents the planet Venus in astrology. This symbol is also called the "Venus' hand-mirror"

Photo of Ankh shaped mirror from tomb Tutankhamen by Andreagrossmann | Wikimedia Commons

The cross with handle or Crux Ansata is a derivate of the Egyptian polytheistic symbol adopted by the Christian Coptic church. At first other Christian churches during that time sticked with the commonly used Ichthus fish, which was a stylized alpha. After a while the crux ansata grew in popularity and was embraced by Christianity and became a renowned Christian talisman.

"One of the more interesting possible origins for the symbol is a knot in the ceremonial girdle, also known as the "magic knot." The reason for this is its similarity to the tyet symbol, also called the "knot of Isis," the "buckle of Isis," or the "girdle of Isis." Wikipedia notes:

It seems to be called "the Knot of Isis" because it resembles a knot used to secure the garments that the Egyptian gods wore."

The tyet symbol looks very similar to the ankh, the difference being the "arms" curve down:

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The SA hieroglyph means protection. Its shape has some resemblance with a short range weapon. It is thought to be the predecessor of the Ankh. In times of the Egyptian Middle Kingdom this symbol was used as a decorative element in jewelry and on magic wands. Later in history the hieroglyph submerged with the Ankh, Isis knot (Tyet) and Djed symbol.

Egyptian gods like Isis, Osiris, and even Taweret are commonly known. Lesser known is the interesting, early southern Egyptian god Bes.

Bes was an adorable, little god who made children laugh by pulling a funny face, danced for them and could turn immensely furious in their protection. The protector and entertainer was commonly depicted as a bowlegged creature with a big round belly, goggled eyes and a poking tongue. And.. many times with the Sa, in this case a weapon (a club), in his hand. This was used to protect children from snakes and to ward of other dangers thus symbolizing protection of children and thus the starting point of the ankh concept.

Worship of (derivatives of) the concept of this much loved, little, hairy and ugly, god has spread throughout Europe and later on the rest of the world.
info derived from Celticnz.co.nz

photo Egyptian god Bes by Chosovi | Wikimedia Commons