<em>Cowrie-Shaped Amulet in Gold Ring</em>, ca. 1630–1539 B.C.E. Steatite, glaze, gold, 9/16 × 15/16 in. (1.5 × 2.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 08.480.199. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.08.480.199_view1_erg2.jpg)

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). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 08.480.199. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.08.480.199_view1_erg2.jpg)

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Cowrie-Shaped Amulet in Gold Ring

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

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.

MEDIUM Steatite, glaze, gold

Place Collected: Egypt

DATES ca. 1630–1539 B.C.E.

DYNASTY late Dynasty 13 to Dynasty 17

PERIOD Second Intermediate Period

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) (show scale)

COLLECTIONS Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

ACCESSION NUMBER 08.480.199

CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund

PROVENANCE Archaeological provenance not yet documented; by 1893, acquired by Armand de Potter; November 1893, lent by Armand de Potter to the University Museum, Philadelphia, PA; 1905, inherited from Armand de Potter by Aimee S. de Potter (Amy S. Beckwith) of Asheville, NC; March 1908, purchased from Aimee S. de Potter by the Brooklyn Museum.

Provenance FAQ

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Steatite cowroid seal, glazed green and mounted on gold ring with swivel. Base of seal inscribed with conventionalized floral design. Ends of ring twisted back on shank. Condition: Good. Glaze worn.

EXHIBITIONS

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view

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). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 08.480.199. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.08.480.199_view1_erg2.jpg)

IMAGE overall, CUR.08.480.199_view1_erg2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 11/13/2008

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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY

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