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Cowroid Inscribed with a Nefer Hieroglyph

New Kingdom
ca. 1491–1473 BCE
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

Object Information
  • Title: Cowroid Inscribed with a Nefer Hieroglyph
  • Period: New Kingdom
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 18, early
  • Reign: reign of Thutmose II–Early Joint reign
  • Date: ca. 1491–1473 BCE
  • 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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