Egyptian Ankh with two Cobra 18K Gold

The Egyptian Ankh with two Cobra 18K Gold Pendant is a unique piece. The Ankh is also known as key of life, the key of the Nile. It was the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic character that read “eternal life”. Egyptian gods are often portrayed carrying it by its loop, or bearing one in each hand, arms crossed over their chest. The Ankh is a representation of both Physical and Eternal life. It is also known as the original cross. The Ankh is typically associated with material things such as water (which was believed by Egyptians to regenerate life), air, sun, as well as with the Gods, who are frequently pictured carrying an Ankh.

The cobra was a significant royal symbol in ancient Egypt. A rearing cobra, ready to strike, was drawn and sculpted as an image called a uraeus, which refers to protection. One creation myth relates that the sacred eye of a creator-god discovered it had been overshadowed by the sun. Therefore it turned itself into a deadly cobra in a rage. To placate the eye, the god placed it on his head, transforming the striking cobra into the sign for protection of kings.

The cobra with raised head is found almost everywhere in Egyptian tomb art. It is also carved into furniture, sometimes forming legs, arms or chair backs. Furthermore vessels used for liquids by royalty and the upper classes were shaped like rearing cobras. The snake was worn as jewelry, often seen as arm bands.  Always either on the front of the circlet or crown of the reigning pharaoh. A cobra might stand in for Hathor or Sekhmet, messengers and avengers of the sun god Ra. Ancient Egyptians believed that Ra gave the uraeus, the kingly symbol of might and protection, to his descendants who would become the pharaohs, Egypt’s godlike rulers.

Cobra heads were also popular amulets in ancient Egypt. The rearing heads with their spread hoods and fangs were carved from gemstones. Hence worn as necklaces or carried as lucky objects. Cobra amulets were formed into elaborate rings and hammered into precious metal armbands and bracelets. They were also wrapped in the wingdings of a mummy’s bandages to reward the deceased with a safe, blessed afterlife.  An amulet carried the magic its form symbolized, so a cobra shielded its owner from fatal snakebite, not an uncommon occurrence in the fields bordering the Nile where real cobras were plentiful.

Like all our other exquisite jewelry, this pendant is handcrafted of 18K gold by our designers, highly detailed, top quality & made to last a lifetime. It also bears the 18K gold stamp for authenticity purposes.

Additional info:

• Shipment of our Egyptian Ankh with two Cobra 18K Gold pendant takes from 4-6 business days

• Shipping takes place from Egypt