Cowroid Stamp Seal Inscribed with the Throne Name of Amenhotep III

Unknown

ca. 1390–1352 B.C. · Faience · Egyptian Art

The bottom of this seal amulet bears the throne name of pharaoh Amenhotep III "Nebmaatre" that can be translated as "(The god) Re is the lord of truth," written here with three hieroglyphs. A sun disk for the name of the sun god Re is at the top. In the center is a large depiction of the goddess Maat that is used as a hieroglyph for the concept of truth, as she embodied the principle of world order, truth, and justice. She is depicted squatting and with the sign of life (ankh) on her knees. The ostrich plume that signifies her name is on her head. At the very bottom is a rounded sign that reads "neb" meaning "lord." Every Egyptian king had five names and four of them, including the throne name that is used here, were chosen when a king ascended the throne. Therefore they often bear a political message that describes the ruler’s program. In this case Amenhotep III associated himself with the sun god as well as with truth and justice.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1390–1352 B.C.

Medium

Faience

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1911