Cowroid Seal Amulet Inscribed with a Decorative Motif
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.
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.
Artwork Details
- Title: Cowroid Seal Amulet Inscribed with a Decorative Motif
- Period: New Kingdom
- Dynasty: Dynasty 18, early
- Reign: Joint reign of Hatshepsut and Thutmose III
- Date: ca. 1479–1458 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt, Upper Egypt, Thebes, Deir el-Bahri, Temple of Hatshepsut, Foundation Deposit 9 (I), MMA excavations, 1926–27
- Medium: Steatite (glazed)
- Dimensions: l. 1.9 cm (3/4 in.); w. 1.2 cm (1/2 in.); h. 0.6 cm (1/4 in.)
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1927
- Object Number: 27.3.365
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
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ca. 1479–1458 B.C.
ca. 1525–1504 B.C.
ca. 1492–1473 B.C.
ca. 1570–1526 B.C.
ca. 1492–1479 B.C.
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