An ancient Egyptian vivid blue faience amulet depicting a rolled papyrus sceptre known as a wadj. The body is shaped in typical column form, tapering towards the bottom. The top features a flat terminal upon which sits a suspension loop. Some earthy encrustations, pitting, and signs of wear as consistent with its age are visible to the surface. The Wadj Sceptre is a rolled papyrus scroll, and in amulet form was thought to give the wearer eternal youth. The papyrus was used in the hieroglyphic script for the word ‘wadj’, meaning “fresh”, making it an appropriate talisman for the preservation of the body. The papyrus sceptre thus symbolised new life and regeneration, and so held particular significance for the deceased in the afterlife. Books 159 and 160 of the Book of the Dead refer to a Wadj amulet made of feldspar being placed at the throat of the mummy. However, amulets were made just as often in the more affordable medium of faience, which was green in colour to mimic feldspar. Feldspar was another precious stone used by the Egyptians, and its green colouring was symbolic of new life. Measurements: L 2.3cm x W 0.6cm Provenance: Early 20th Century UK Collection