Amulet with the Names of Amenophis III (1388-1351/1350 BCE) and Queen Tiye
This symmetrically carved long oval plaque has sunk relief inscriptions on both the front and back of the piece. The front has the throne name of Amenophis III (1388-1351/1350 BCE). The reverse lists the name and royal title of the Queen Tiye. The workmanship on the piece is good, and it is simply made.
The plaque functioned as a individualized amulet, and was originally mounted, probably as part of a finger ring. The amulet should secure the special role of Queen Tiye, and assure the royal patronage of king and queen for its owner. In addition, it is likely that this royal couple were considered to be successful mediators to the gods, especially to Amun-Re.
There are many examples of plaques and scarabs with the names Amenophis III and his wife Tiye, found in and outside of Egypt. The possibility of reading the throne name as an Amun's trigram increases the magical value of the amulet.
Inscription
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.
Henry Walters, Baltimore [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.
Geographies
Egypt (Place of Origin)
Measurements
H: 3/16 x W: 3/8 x L: 9/16 in. (0.5 x 1 x 1.5 cm)
Credit Line
Acquired by Henry Walters
Location in Museum
Not on view
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
42.67