Cowroid Inscribed with a Nefer Hieroglyph
Unknown Artist
ca. 1492–1473 B.C.
Medium
Faience
Dimensions
L. 1.4 cm (9/16 in.), W. 0.8 cm (5/16 in.); H. 0.4 cm (3/16 in.)
Classification
Cowroid, nefer
Period
New Kingdom
Department
Egyptian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1936
Accession Number
36.3.23
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delicate *Cowroid Inscribed with afer Hieroglyph*, crafted around 1492–1473 B.C. during the early New Kingdom's Dynasty 18, exemplifies the exquisite miniaturization of Egyptian art. Measuring just 1.4 cm long, 0.8 cm wide, and 0.4 cm high, this faience amulet—made from a glazed, quartz-based ceramic prized for its vibrant blue-green hues and glossy finish—likely served as a protective talisman, seal, or bead in jewelry. Faience's durability and luminous quality made it ideal for everyday sacred objects, mimicking more precious stones like lapis lazuli while being accessible to a wide ran...