In some cases the loop was attached to a staff, which symbolized that they were an important religious figure. Priests would also wear it around their neck.
One interesting thing is that the loop of an ankh also resembles a mirror. This could be interpreted as a symbol for life being like our reflections in mirrors, and how we can only see ourselves through them.
An ankh is a hieroglyphic symbol of ancient Egyptian origin, which represents the concept 'life'. It's also known by other names such as the Key of Life (Latin: Clavis Vitae), Cross with Loop (in German: Schlüsselglied) or Key of the Nile (in Hebrew: ציפה-מים).
An ankh usually has a circular shape. The loop in many cases seems to represent a sandal strap and it can be interpreted that way in some reliefs. In modern depictions, however, it looks more like a figure 8 on its side.
The ankh is often associated with gods, or more precisely deified humans. In this case it represents the god Osiris (who was also a human pharaoh). It's not always clear whether deities are supposed to be literally 'deified' people or just mortals who have become important for some reason.
The ankh seems to have been associated with the concept of immortality. This is based on several depictions in which it's carried by a god or goddess, who holds it close to their body.
It was also used in the context of everyday life and not only by priests. However, it mostly seems to have been associated with funerary rites.
The ankh was depicted in many places, including on the walls of tombs and temples. It's also often found in amulets.
The loop is sometimes depicted as wrapped around the upper portion of a staff, emanating from it and extending upwards. In this context it's known as the Key of Life
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