Cowroid Seal Amulet Inscribed with a Decorative Motif

Unknown

ca. 1479–1458 B.C. · Steatite (glazed) · Egyptian Art

Most of the amulets found in the foundation deposits of Hatshepsut's funerary temple were scarabs, but a hand full were carved in the shape of a cowrie shell. Like this one, the backs of most of these cowroids have been incised with a decorative pattern that suggests the setting of a swivel ring bezel (see 36.3.46). Others (27.3.180) have also been inscribed with the image of a bolti fish (a tilapia), and two have been carved with the image of a falcon, with its wings outstretched and wearing an atef-crown (27.3.164, 27.3.396). The decoration on the base of this cowroid includes a central rosette and what appears to be a papyrus skiff which may represent the boat that transports the sun across the sky.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1479–1458 B.C.

Medium

Steatite (glazed)

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1927