Ankh

"Key of life" redirects here. For the 2012 film, see Key of Life.

For other uses, see Ankh (disambiguation).

The ankh or key of life is an ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic symbol used to represent the word for "life" and, by extension, as a symbol of life itself.

The ankh has a T-shape topped by a droplet-shaped loop.

The ankh has a T-shape topped by a droplet-shaped loop.

Egyptian gods are often portrayed carrying it by that loop, or bearing one in each hand, arms crossed over their chest. It is also known as the Egyptian Cross, or as crux ansata, Latin for "cross with a handle".