Cowrie-Shaped Amulet in Gold Ring
1 of 7
Object Label
Because the cowrie shell resembles female genitalia, the Egyptians believed it could magically ensure procreative powers. Wealthy Egyptians frequently wore cowroids mounted in gold rings. The design on the bottom of this cowroid is carved in a style frequently found on Hyksos scarabs.
Caption
Cowrie-Shaped Amulet in Gold Ring, ca. 1630–1539 B.C.E.. Steatite, glaze, gold, 9/16 × 15/16 in. (1.5 × 2.4 cm) mount (m2 - wall mount): 1/2 × 1 × 1 1/2 in. (1.3 × 2.5 × 3.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 08.480.199.
Gallery
Not on view
Gallery
Not on view
Title
Cowrie-Shaped Amulet in Gold Ring
Date
ca. 1630–1539 B.C.E.
Dynasty
late Dynasty 13 to Dynasty 17
Period
Second Intermediate Period
Geography
Place collected: Egypt
Medium
Steatite, glaze, gold
Classification
Dimensions
9/16 × 15/16 in. (1.5 × 2.4 cm) mount (m2 - wall mount): 1/2 × 1 × 1 1/2 in. (1.3 × 2.5 × 3.8 cm)
Credit Line
Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
Accession Number
08.480.199
Have information?
Have information about an artwork? Contact us at