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A kind of magic
Bronze staff in the shape of a uraeus
This unique item is thought to have been a
magician's wand. It was found inside the coffin of
Mentuhotep by the archaeologist Howard Carter in
1911.
In ancient Egyptian
mythology and religious iconography the serpent was a particularly
potent image, so this staff must have had great ritual
significance. Other items found in the tomb with it suggest that
the owner was indeed a
magician.
The serpent
uraeus
was considered to be 'the great enchantress' and
was often depicted as a cobra with a human head (as on
Tutankhamun's shrine), but it was also known for its
protective attributes. It therefore appeared on the
pharaoh's crown, from where it could spit fire and venom at
the king's enemies.
There are many
representations on Egyptian
papyri
and wall paintings of gods and demons holding serpents which
resemble this staff. There is also a biblical account of the
metamorphosis of Moses' staff into a
serpent.