Sekhem Scepter “Symbol of Might” The sekhem scepter is a type of ritual scepter in ancient Egypt. As a symbol of authority, it is often incorporated in names and words associated with power and control. The sekhem scepter (symbolizing “the powerful”) is related to the kherp (ḫrp) scepter (symbolizing “the controller”) and the aba scepter (symbolizing “the commander”), which are all represented with the same hieroglyphic symbol. These scepters resembled a flat paddle on a papyrus umbel handle. Its symbolic role may have originated in Abydos as a fetish of Osiris. The shape of the scepter might have derived from professional tools.The Sekhem scepter was a type of ceremonial staff used by ancient Egyptians. It was usually made of metal, wood, or stone and had a forked lower end and a rounded or animal-shaped upper end. The Sekhem scepter symbolized power and authority and was often held by gods, pharaohs, and high-ranking officials. The word Sekhem means “Power” or “Might” in Egyptian. The Sekhem scepter was sometimes associated with the goddess Sekhmet, who was depicted as a lioness-headed woman wielding a Sekhem scepter. The Sekhem scepter was also related to the Heka scepter, which represented magical power, and the was scepter, which represented dominion and protection.

symbol of rank Being a symbol of power or might, the sekhem was frequently incorporated into various names. For example, that of the Third Dynasty Pharaoh Sekhemkhet, and the lioness-goddess Sekhmet, whose name means “she who is powerful”. After the Third Dynasty, the sekhem appeared in the royal names of the pharaohs, and later in the titles of queens and princesses as well. When the king held a sekhem scepter in his right hand, he would usually hold a mace or censer in the left.

Religious symbolism Osiris was often called “the Great Sekhem” or “Foremost of Powers”. Hence, the sekhem was often used as a symbol of the underworld deity. This probably led to the scepter also becoming an emblem of Anubis. The sekhem scepter was sacred to Anubis in the temple of Hu (known as the “Enclosure of the Sekhem” (hwt-shm)). Anubis is frequently depicted in his manifestation of a reclining dog with the sekhem scepter behind him. In such depictions, the scepter is often portrayed with an elongated head.