Cowroid Inscribed with a Nefer Hieroglyph

New Kingdom

ca. 1492–1473 B.C.

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 116

This cowrie-shaped amulet is inscribed on the base with a nefer hieroglyph, which represents the word "good," or "beautiful." It was found inside a kohl jar which had been placed in the coffin of an unnamed woman that was discovered in the tomb of Hatnefer (see 36.3.1). Five other cowroids were found in the kohl pot including one with the same inscription that is now in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo. Three of the other amulets are in the Metropolitan Museum's collection (26.3.20, .21, .24). A number of other objects had also been placed in the coffin including two mirrors (36.3.12, .13), three faience bowls (36.3.8–.10) , a circular wood box (36.3.11a, b).

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Cowroid Inscribed with a Nefer Hieroglyph
Period: New Kingdom
Dynasty: Dynasty 18, early
Reign: reign of Thutmose II–Early Joint reign
Date: ca. 1492–1473 B.C.
Geography: From Egypt, Upper Egypt, Thebes, Sheikh Abd el-Qurna, Tomb of Hatnefer and Ramose (below TT 71), coffin III, inside kohl jar c (36.3.7a, b), MMA excavations, 1935–36
Medium: Faience
Dimensions: L. 1.4 cm (9/16 in.), W. 0.8 cm (5/16 in.); H. 0.4 cm (3/16 in.)
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1936
Object Number: 36.3.23
Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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