The three-stemmed papyrus hieroglyph was a symbol of regeneration, symbolising life and eternity. The papyrus plant held special significance to the Ancient Egyptians, who believed the afterlife mirrored the fertile Nile, and promptly labelled it the ‘Field of Reeds’.
The baboon hieroglyph most likely represents the god Thoth. Thoth was an important deity in the Egyptian pantheon, existing since pre-dynastic times. He was god of scribes, writing, thought and the implementing of laws. In the afterlife he was a key deity in the ‘weighing of the Heart’ ceremony, recording the deceased’s heart against the feather of Ma’at, representing the principle of Ma’at, was exactly even.
To find out more about Ancient Egyptian amulets please see our relevant blog post: Egyptian Amulets and their Meanings.