Ancient Egypt, Third Intermediate to Late Dynastic Period, 21st to 31st Dynasty, ca. 1069 to 332 BCE. A remarkable faience ring that features a mold made aegis and gilt with 71.06% (equivalent to 17K+) gold. The front of the aegis features a bust of a deity - the surface is soft and the finer details are indiscernible to determine the god or goddess, but a conical headdress sits atop the head, and lappets from the regal headdress rest upon the shoulders, and beneath is a wesekh broad collar intended to emulate the front of a shield. The aegis is attached to one area of a wide ring band and the surface of the faience is embellished with a blue-green glaze, as well as gold! Areas of the precious gilt remain in patches along the shank, adding a brilliant glimmer to the ancient ring. Imagine how exquisite the ensemble would be when entirely coated in gold! Size (ring): 0.85" Diameter (2.2 cm); (aegis): 0.55" L x 0.37" W (1.4 cm x 0.9 cm); (opening): 0.58" Diameter (1.5 cm); US ring size: 2.5; gold gilt quality: 71.06% (equivalent to 17K+)

According to author Manfred Lurker, "The imprecise term 'aegis' refers to a collar-like necklace which was regarded as a symbol of protection. In the Book of the Dead there is a spell for the 'collar of gold which is placed around the neck of the transfigured spirit on the day of burial'. These collars are often decorated with the head of a falcon or a uraeus. The placing in position of the collar is a symbolic expression for being encompassed by the arms of the god . . . Jewellery collars with the head of a god or goddess are also called an aegis. On the lids of mummy cases and stone sarcophagi instead of a collar there can appear a representation of a vulture with outstretched wings which has the same meaning; the sarcophagus of Tuthmosis I is an example." (Lurker, Manfred. "The Gods and Symbols of Ancient Egypt: An Illustrated Dictionary." Thames & Hudson, London, 1986, p. 24)

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#141841

Facial details of aegis are soft and indiscernible. The shank is intact with remains of gold gilt along exterior of band. While the band is intact, we recommend wearing as a pendant rather than a ring to preserve the remaining gilt and due to the age and fragility of the faience. Minor mineral and earthen encrustations and fading to blue glaze.