The djed is one of the oldest and most enduring symbols in ancient Egyptian religion, appearing in art, architecture, and religious texts throughout history. Representing stability and permanence, the djed became a central motif in the myth of Osiris, where it symbolized the firm foundation of the afterlife.
In the New Kingdom period, the djed pillar evolved into a key element of funerary art, often depicted in sarcophagi to represent the spine of Osiris. This transformation underscored the djed's role in maintaining order and continuity in both the physical and spiritual realms.