Djed-pillar "An Egyptian hieroglyph, probably a manifestation of part of the spinal cord, that was a written form of the word for 'stability'. It was a commonly employed symbol in religious iconography."
From _Art for Eternity_, Fazzini, Romano and Cody, page 157 As an amulet, the djed was more likely to be used for funerary purposes, "to assure stability for the deceased." It was "common for a string of about a dozen pillars to be placed across the belly of the mummy, just opposite the lower vertebrae. " (_Ancient Egyptian Magic_), Bob Brier, page 154)
Tyet (aka 'tiet'), "a symbol with broad meaning, associated generally with health and well-being" (From _Ancient Egypt: Treasures of the Oriental Institute_, by Emily Teeter, page 76):
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Not only that, note the young bull on Meresamun's footstand: |
The word for 'bull' also sounds the same as a word for an aspect of the soul, the 'ka', or 'animating life force'. Furthermore, the bull in this context can be identified as the god Apis. |
Meresamun is wearing a vulture headdress worn by priestesses and women of high rank. This headdress is associated with the vulture goddess Nekhbet, who has origins going back to the city of Nekheb, even before Upper and Lower Egypt were unified. Her mummy case also has representations of floral necklaces, which are symbols of regeneration. Every opportunity to aid her regeneration and rebirth has been employed in this magnificent case.
Sources also include _The Life of Meresamun: a Temple Singer in Ancient Egypt_, edited by Emily Teeter and Janet H. Johnson |