The was sceptre (Egyptian ws “power, dominion”) is a symbol seen in ancient Egyptian antiquities, art, and hieroglyphs. A stylised animal head sits atop a long, straight staff with a forked end.
Was sceptres were linked with ancient Egyptian deities such as Set or Anubis[2] as well as the pharaoh, and were employed as emblems of power or domination. The Set animal is also symbolized by Was sceptres. It was eventually used as a sign of mastery over Set’s chaotic might.
The was sceptre was sometimes included in the tomb-equipment or in the adornment of the tomb or coffin in a funerary context since it was responsible for the deceased’s well-being. The sceptre serves as an amulet as well. The Egyptians thought the sky was supported by four pillars, each of which may be in the shape of a was. The nome of Thebes (called wst in Egyptian) was likewise represented by this sceptre.