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Scarabs

Chapter 22: PLATE I. SOME ROYAL SIGNET-RINGS.
By Percy E. Newberry
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About This Book

A systematic introduction to ancient Egyptian seals and signet rings that explains their origins, functions, and methods of manufacture. It surveys practical uses—securing property, authenticating documents, and transferring authority—and outlines the officials and engravers involved. The work classifies and describes a wide range of forms, including cylinder seals, button-shaped types, beetle-shaped scarabs, and various signet rings, offering technical commentary and comparative typology. Extensive illustrations and plates accompany the text, and the volume includes indices of personal and royal names and of titles to support identification and further research.

PLATE I.
 
SOME ROYAL SIGNET-RINGS.

I. Signet-ring of Apepŷ I. In the possession of Mr. Theodore M. Davis. The bezel is of green-glazed steatite, carved in the shape of a scarabaeus-beetle with a human head, and mounted in a thin gold funda. On the base of the bezel is engraved in intaglio, and within a cartouche, the name of the “Good King Aauser-ra (Apepŷ I), giving life.” The cartouche is surrounded by a continuous rope-pattern. The hoop of the ring is of gold, and the bezel is secured to it by means of a gold wire running longitudinally through the funda and scarab, and coiled tightly round its two ends.

II. Signet-ring of Amenhetep II. In the Egyptian Museum of the Louvre. The bezel is of solid gold, in the form of a rectangular plaque. On one face are engraved, in intaglio, the titles and prenomen of Amenhetep II: “The King of Upper and Lower Egypt, the Lord of the Two Lands, Aa-kheperu-ra,” the cartouche being surmounted by two cobras, and resting on the nub-sign. On the other face are the titles: Heru, ka nekht, user pehtet, “the Horus and Mighty Bull, strong in power.” The bezel is pierced longitudinally by a narrow hole, and it is fixed to the hoop of the ring by means of a rod running through it, and rivetted to the shoulders.

III. Signet-ring of Nefer-ka-ra (Psamtek II). In the possession of Mr. Walter Nash. A plain hoop of gold, beaten out into a lozenge-shaped plate, upon which is cut, in intaglio, the prenomen of Psamtek II.

IV. Signet-ring of Neferu-kheperu-ra Setep-en-ra (Akh-en-aten). In the possession of Mr. Walter Nash. A hoop of silver, with massive bezel, the inner surface of which is curved, and the outer flat, with the prenomen of Akh-en-aten engraved upon it.

V. Signet-ring of Zeser-kheperu-ra Setep-en-ra (Hor-em-heb). In the Egyptian Museum of the Louvre. This is the most remarkable specimen of an ancient Egyptian signet-ring known. It is formed of a quadrangular plaque and a thick hoop, swollen in the middle for strength, both of solid gold; it weighs 125.50 grs. On one face of the plaque is engraved, in intaglio, the prenomen of Hor-em-heb, while on the other is a marching lion, emblem of royal power, and the words Neb Khepsh, “Lord of Valiance,” above it. Upon the two sides are delicately engraved: (1) a scorpion, and (2) a crocodile. The bezel is pierced longitudinally through its centre, and secured to the hoop by means of a thick gold wire, which threads the bezel, and is coiled round the two ends of the hoop.