The Tyet, also known as the Knot of Isis, is a symbol that translates as “welfare” or “life.” The tyet iconography first appears in the 3rd dynasty, yet is believed to originate around Predynastic period.
The association with goddess Isis did not appear until later in Egyptian history. Knots were commonly used as amulets to symbolize the bound and release of magic. This knot was associated with the goddesses: Nut, Hathor, Nephthys, and Isis.
It was common place to place the tyet around the deceased neck. The tyet was often made out of stones like carnelian, red jasper and/or red glass. The red stones were said to protect the dead and in the NK, BotD spell, it states that the jed jasper tyet would “drive away those who would commit crimes against them.” The Tyet was also made out of green faience, too, though, and this was to symbolize the renewal of life.
It is typically seen paired with the Djed pillar, a symbol that was often associated with Osiris- most commonly with the spine of Osiris. How could you support yourself without welfare in line with it?
Image from: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/548207
