Shell amulet inscribed with the name of Amenemhat III

Middle Kingdom–Second Intermediate Period

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 109

This amulet has been inscribed wtih the prenomen (throne name) of Amenemhat III, Nimaatre, flanked by djed pillars, symbolizing stability, and ankhs, meaning life. A number of actual oyster shells polished and engraved with royal names of the Middle Kingdom are known, and these are thought to have been worn by military personnel as pendants. This example, although smaller and of a different material is, like the shell examples, pierced with two holes so that it could be hung from a string.

Shell amulet inscribed with the name of Amenemhat III, Glazed steatite

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