Archaeological Evidence of Aset/Isis

Symbols

The Tyet/tjet knot

      In written sources, the meaning and symbolism of the tjet knot seem to be similar to those of the ankh, that is, life, and the sign is thus often translated that way. The tjet shape is used in personal objects, such as a cosmetic spoon, as early as the 1st or 2nd dynasty, and as a decorative symbol as early as the 3rd Dynasty, when it appears with both the ankh and with the djed signs, and later, with the was scepter.

        Perhaps because of its association with the djed pillar, which became associated with Osiris, the tjet knot became associated with Isis, and thus it is often called "the knot of Isis" or even "the blood of Isis." Because of the latter term, the sign was cited in a Spell in the Book of Going Forth by Day, in the New Kingdom period, and was used as a funerary amulet, made of a red semi-precious stone such as carnelian or jasper.

      From the Old Kingdom times, the knot was also used as a badge of office for the kherep-ah or Manager of the Palace.