Silver

Silver in Ancient Egypt


 * Egyptian Name:**

//Hedj// ("White Gold")


 * Hieroglyphics:**



Silver was rare in ancient Egypt, more precious than gold. Imported from western Asia, it continued to be rare, and on lists of valuables, items of silver were listed above those of gold until the New Kingdom. Silver was used to make jewelry, musical instruments, small vessels, Canopic jars, Ushabti, and protective amulets. Beaten into sheets, silver was also used to plate copper and other materials, especially mirror surfaces.

When silver was used together with gold (electrum), they symbolized completeness, the moon and sun. The moon was known as the “silver sun," and represented mysteries. White was sometimes used to denote silver, or the shining and gleaming of metal and fine limestone. The god Nefertem, whose symbol was the white lotus, often had his statues made of silver, to illustrate his link with the color white.

During mummification, the feet of the dead were washed in silver bowls. The gods Nemty and Sokar were associated with silver, thought to be the bones of the gods. The silver, falcon-headed coffin of Sheshonq II was probably intended to transform the dead king into Sokar.

Egyptian Metals