Isis Knot (Tyet) Necklace, 18K Gold Plated – Ancient Egyptian Symbol of Life and Protection

This Tyet amulet, also known as the Knot of Isis, is connected to the power of Isis in ancient Egyptian tradition, representing care, protection and the continuity of life. This gold pendant has been created as a modern talisman, reminding the wearer of inner wholeness and strength in the midst of a changing world.

• Amulet size: 18 mm × 6.5 mm
• Chain length: stainless steel chain, 40 cm with a 5 cm extension
• Material: the amulet has a brass base with a durable 3-micron 18-carat gold plating; the chain is stainless steel
• The jewellery is handmade in Spain, which means that each piece is unique. Slight variations in shape and surface are a natural part of the making process.

History

The Tyet, often also called the Knot of Isis, is an ancient Egyptian symbol best known in amulet form. It appears in early contexts, possibly as far back as the Predynastic period, and became firmly established by the Old Kingdom as part of funerary and temple imagery.

By the New Kingdom, the symbol was clearly associated with the goddess Isis. The Tyet often appears alongside the Djed pillar, which is linked to the god Osiris. The pairing of these two symbols has been understood as expressing the principles of life, death and renewal in Egyptian thought.

Archaeologically, the Tyet is especially well known as a funerary amulet. The Book of the Dead instructs that the amulet should be made from a red material, such as carnelian or red jasper, and placed with the deceased for protection. Finds show that amulets were also made from other materials, including glass and wood, and were widely used across different periods.

Symbolic meaning

The Tyet belongs to the protective amulets of ancient Egypt and is associated in particular with the power of Isis, which in Egyptian thought is connected with preserving life, offering care, and restoring order when it has been disrupted. In funerary texts, the Tyet is linked to the protective spells spoken by Isis and to her power to keep the deceased whole. This reflects a concrete belief that the preservation of the body and identity in recognisable form made continued existence after death possible. In this context, the Tyet functions as a sign that connects the deceased to the continuity of life and protects against decay and disturbance.

The form of the symbol resembles a tied cloth or knot, evoking the idea of fastening, binding and holding together. In Egyptian imagery, this relates to the understanding that the conditions of life require protection and secure attachment as part of the human being. The Tyet expresses this bond through the protection of Isis.

The Tyet often appears together with the Djed pillar, which is associated with Osiris and with stability. Together, the two symbols form a larger whole: the Tyet represents life-sustaining and protective power, while the Djed signifies endurance and continuity. Side by side, they express the preservation of life in the midst of change and death.

In a gold amulet necklace, the meaning of the Tyet moves from the funerary context into a wearable symbol, referring to protection and the continuity of life in the present moment. It serves as a reminder that within each person there is a force directed towards endurance and restoration, even as the surrounding world changes.

Water resistance

Although the jewellery is water-resistant, we recommend drying it after exposure to water and avoiding contact with cleaning agents in order to preserve its beauty and extend its lifespan as much as possible.