Signet Ring Bearing the Name of Amunhotep II

The enemies of Ma'at took many forms, but none was more immediate or threatening than hostile foreigners. From earliest times, Egyptian artisans made images of the king smiting enemies with his mace or war club in a symbolic pose of triumph. These representations ranged in size from huge reliefs on temple walls to tiny figures on finger rings.

Rings such as this example served as effective amulets, ensuring the wearer of victory over obstacles that threatened the order of his or her life or afterlife.