Shen+Ring

Shen Ring


 * Meaning of Name:**

From //sdenu// ("to encircle")


 * Hieroglyphics:**



A symbol of eternity and the sun, the //Shen// ring is represented as a double strand of rope, the ends of which are folded in such a way that a closed ring is formed with a knot on the underside. The symbol could be stretched to contain other objects, which were then understood as being made eternal by the //Shen// ring. Indeed, when it contained a name, the symbol became the cartouche. One theory is that the //Shen// ring represented the sun's eternal journey.

During the 3rd and 4th Dynasties it was worn around the neck for protection, and painted on coffins. Magic rings were very popular and believed to give protection from illnesses. The //Shen// ring was sometimes attached to various types of staffs such as the //Was// specter, the staff of authority, or power, symbolizing the eternal authority of that power.

The //Shen// ring was often held by bird deities with strong solar connections, such as Horus, Mut, and Nekhbet. The upcurved wings of some jewelery in the form of birds deliberately imitates the shape of the //Shen// that they hold in their claws. Examples have been found made of gold, lapis lazuli, feldspar, basalt, glass, and carnelian.

Magical Amulets