Object Description
A fine Ancient Egyptian rectangular steatite plaque amulet consisting of a flat base and domed obverse, distinguished by an encircling groove. The domed obverse features a symmetrical hieroglyphic engraving, neatly balanced and carefully structured within the rectangular form of the plaque. Two parallel linear incisions comprise the central column, meeting at a curved end that is encased in a circle. Together with the two triangles hanging from a top horizontal line, it may possibly represent a stylised scale symbolising balance. Two lines curve from midway down the central column, ending in a short, horizontal line. Three more short horizontal incisions are stacked directly beneath. Two flags, translating as ‘god’, flank the bottom register, and also feature between the curve and the central column.
The reverse features inscribed hieroglyphs: the top register features the senet board symbol, the basket glyph directly beneath and a sun disc on the right. The central register features a recumbent human-headed sphinx with a short tail and a long beard. The bottom register depicts a scarab (????) flanked by two uraei. The amulet features a longitudinal perforation for suspension which is now blocked.
Date: Circa 664-332 BC
Period: Late Period