Cowroid Seal Amulet Inscribed with a Geometric Pattern

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 design on the base of this cowroid consists of two open papyrus umbels and a geometric loop pattern in the center.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1479–1458 B.C.

Medium

Steatite (glazed)

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1927