Amulet of a Papyrus Column

This amulet, meant to be worn, carried, or offered to a deity in the belief that it will magically bestow a particular power or form of protection, depicts a papyrus scepter or column. The plant itself, its Egyptian name wadj (which means “green” or “fresh”). 

Third Intermediate Period, 21th to 25th Dynasty, ca. 1070-656 BC. Now in the Art Institute, University of Chicago.