𓋹

Glyph origin

Disputed. Traditionally it was interpreted as a sandal strap, but this explanation is now increasingly rejected. Fischer describes it as originally representing an elaborate amuletic bow, noting that the lower part represents the two ends of the cord next to each other; the form of the glyph in the Archaic Period generally showed these two ends widely separated instead of together as in the later ankh. Westendorf hypothesizes that it originally represented a sort of belt similar to the knot of Isis.

Symbol

(ꜥnḫ)

1. Triliteral phonogram for ꜥnḫ.
2. Used as an ideogram: see ꜥnḫ.

References

• Gardiner, Alan (1957) Egyptian Grammar: Being an Introduction to the Study of Hieroglyphs, revised 3rd edition, Oxford: Griffith Institute, →ISBN, page 508
• Betrò, Maria (1995) Geroglifici: 580 Segni per Capire l'Antico Egitto, Milan: Arnoldo Mondadori Editore S.p.A., →ISBN
• Fischer, Henry (1988) Ancient Egyptian Calligraphy: A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Hieroglyphs, New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art, →ISBN