The Wadj amulet (also known as the papyrus column or scepter) is an Ancient Egyptian amulet in the shape of a papyrus stem. These amulets were made out of turquoise feldspar [1] or Egyptian faience, as is indicated in the Book of the Dead. [2]
Though usually taking the form of a papyrus stem, they are also known to also encompass rectangular plaques with depictions of papyrus on them. [1] In Ancient Egyptian, the word wadj means "green," though it is also known to refer to health and to flourish in life. [3]
Wadj amulets were a symbol of eternal youth, and were often placed upon a dead body around the neck upon burial to ensure eternal youth in the afterlife. [2] The amulets have been dated to the Late Period of Egypt, specifically between the 26th and 30th dynasties (664–332 BC). [4] Spells from the Book of the Dead state that if a wadj amulet is found intact, the wearer is healthy in the afterlife. [1]