A little more detail…

Recycled Pound coin

This solid golden bronze one pound coin was issued with many variations in design. From my perspective the really lovely feature of the coin is its unique thickness and accompanying edge detail. The Latin translates to English as ‘An Ornament and a Safeguard’! They must’ve know as soon as they were taken out of circulation Hairy Growler would be putting them to work for the Ankh symbol amulet.

The first step in to flatten the chunky coin into an oval so I have the correct dimensions for the Ankh. The original coin details are carefully chiselled away from the surface of the coin. I then meticulously file, sand and polish the surface to a brilliant shiny bronze finish. I then sketch a beautifully simple Egyptian Ankh on to the surface. This outline is then used as a guide while I freehand cut out the design. The overall piece is fairly tough work as the coin is a formidable thickness to compete with! But it is worth it to see the finished Ankh.

The ankh’s meaning revolves around the core concepts of life, immortality, and the connection between the physical and spiritual realms. It represents both mortal, earthly life and the promise of eternal existence, often appearing in artistic depictions as the divine “breath of life”. The ankh’s design also suggests fertility, the cyclical nature of existence, and the union of the divine masculine and feminine principles, making it a powerful symbol of vital force, prosperity, and well-being.

The most fundamental meaning is “life” or “breath of life,” a vital force that sustains existence. It symbolizes the promise of the afterlife, a continuation of existence beyond death, and immortality.

The Hairy Growler recycled one pound Ankh can represent the connection between the earthly and divine realms, representing vital energy flowing between the two. The symbol is linked to fertility, prosperity, and the abundance that sustains life. Some interpret the loop as the sun and the horizontal bar as the horizon, signifying the sun’s path and its life-giving power.

Theories suggest the ankh represents the union of the male and female principles, a symbolic union that creates life. It is often referred to as the “key of life” or the “key of the Nile,” granting access to eternal life.

Pharaohs and gods are depicted holding the ankh, transmitting the breath of life and indicating their own eternal nature.

As a potent amulet, the ankh was used for protection, health, well-being, and luck.

Each coin is made with moments of lovely time dissolving meditative enjoyment and contrastingly vigorous physical attention! A good combo for my style of creation 😉
Handcrafted and recycled in Cambridge, UK.
Size : Approx 30 mm * 20mm