The ankh is one of the oldest symbols in the world, and one of the most recognized symbols to come out of Africa. With its looped top and cross-shaped base, it has been carved into temple walls, painted in royal tombs and, today, worn around the neck by people across the African diaspora. So what does the ankh actually mean?
The ankh means “life”
In ancient Egypt, known to its own people as Kemet, the ankh was the hieroglyph for the word life. When it appeared in writing, it literally spelled out “life.” When it appeared in art, it carried that same meaning as a symbol.
You will often see Egyptian gods holding the ankh by its loop, or holding it up to a pharaoh’s face. Those scenes show the gods offering the breath of life. Because of this, the ankh is also linked to eternal life and the afterlife, an idea at the heart of Egyptian belief.
Where did the ankh come from?
No one knows for certain what the ankh first represented. Historians have suggested a sandal strap, a knotted ribbon or a symbol joining male and female forms. What is clear is that it was already in use thousands of years ago and stayed central to Egyptian life for most of its ancient history.
The ankh after ancient Egypt
The symbol did not disappear when the pharaohs did. Early Christians in Egypt, the Copts, adopted a version of it known as the crux ansata, or handled cross. Much later, in the 1960s and 1970s, the ankh became a powerful symbol in Black consciousness and Pan-African movements, a way of claiming Africa’s ancient achievements as part of a living heritage.
What does wearing an ankh necklace mean today?
For many people, wearing an ankh is a statement of:
- Heritage. A link to one of Africa’s greatest civilizations.
- Life and protection. Its original meaning, carried close to the heart.
- Spirituality. A reminder of balance, renewal and life beyond the everyday.
- Pride. A symbol that has stood for thousands of years.
Choosing an ankh necklace that lasts
An ankh is meant to be worn for years, so the metal matters. Solid 925 sterling silver will not turn your skin green and can be polished back to a shine. Pairing the ankh with the Eye of Horus, the Egyptian symbol of protection, doubles the meaning.
Explore our ankh necklaces, including the sterling silver Ankh & Eye of Horus necklace.