Disputed. Traditionally it was interpreted as a sandal strap, but this explanation is now increasingly rejected. Fischer describes it as originally representing an elaborate amuletic bow, noting that the lower part represents the two ends of the cord next to each other; the form of the glyph in the Archaic Period generally showed these two ends widely separated instead of together as in the later ankh. Westendorf hypothesizes that it originally represented a sort of belt similar to the knot of Isis.
Gardiner, Alan (1957) Egyptian Grammar: Being an Introduction to the Study of Hieroglyphs, third edition, Oxford: Griffith Institute, →ISBN, page 508
Henry George Fischer (1988) Ancient Egyptian Calligraphy: A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Hieroglyphs, New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art, →ISBN, page 40
Betrò, Maria Carmela (1995) Geroglifici: 580 Segni per Capire l'Antico Egitto, Milan: Arnoldo Mondadori Editore S.p.A., →ISBN
