Uraeus (Rearing Cobra)
Unknown Artist
1307–1196 BCE
Medium
Silver-copper alloy with inlays (copper, feldspar, turquoise, obsidian?) and gilding
Dimensions
h. 14.9 cm
Classification
Metalwork
Department
Egyptian and Ancient Near Eastern Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of Barbara S. Robinson and Family
Accession Number
2023.102
About this artwork
Made from a silver-copper alloy, this rearing cobra likely served as a uraeus, symbolizing royal or divine power in ancient Egypt. Its lowermost portion likely fit into the top of the head of a large sculpture, while its body and tail seem cut short, perhaps making room for a solar disk to rise up behind. The eyes are inlaid, and six cavities for additional inlay remain on the expanded hood, the lowermost still intact, the others likely once filled with brightly colored blue and red stone. Much ...