Ceremonial Implement in the Shape of an Ankh

New Kingdom

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 119

The ankh was used as a hieroglyph to write the words "live," "alive," or "life." It also became a popular symbol for life in general. In its center, the ankh-sign here features a cartouche (a protective oval-shaped ring) with the name of King Thutmose IV, in whose tomb it was found.

Ceremonial Implement in the Shape of an Ankh, Faience

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.

Ceremonial Implement in the Shape of an Ankh, Faience
Ceremonial Implement in the Shape of an Ankh, Faience

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.