Gold Ring of Sekhmet
Culture
Ancient Egyptian
DateNew Kingdom, about 1539–1077 BCE
Mediumgold
Dimensions2.2 × 2.2 × 0.8 cm (7/8 × 7/8 × 5/16 in.)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineMrs. Kingsmill Marrs Collection
Object number1926.97
DescriptionGold signet ring with the goddess Sekmet. The ring's shank and bezel form a rigid piece and the ovoid bezel is chased with the image of the seated goddess and an inscription; scattered silver-colored spots, probably platinum-iridium group inclusions characteristic of placer gold, confirm the ancient originLabel TextThe earliest finger rings in ancient Egypt were made of undecorated bands of shell, stone, or metal wire followed by wires with scarab bezels. By the New Kingdom, signet rings (a seal in the form of a ring with a flat bezel) carved from semiprecious stones or cast in precious metal were the height of fashion. Lighter and less valuable variations were made in colorful faience. Egyptian signs, symbols, hieroglyphs, and royal names in cartouches were favorite motifs represented on bezels.ProvenanceEl-Hagg Mahmed Mohasseb & Son, by January 1910; sold to Mr. Kingsmill Marrs January 26, 1910; rormerly of Mrs. Kingsmill Marrs Collection; bequeathed by Mrs. Kingsmill Marrs to the Worcester Art Museum, 1925–1926.
On View
On viewCollections
Ancient Egyptian
New Kingdom, reign of Amenhotep III, about 1539–1077 BCE
