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© Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University
Snake Ring
© Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University
© Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University
© Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University
ClassificationsGreek and Roman Art

Snake Ring

Place CreatedEgypt, Africa
CultureEgyptian
PeriodPtolemaic Period
Dateca. 305-30 BCE
MediumGold
Credit LineGift of the Estate of Michael J. Shubin
Dimensions13/16 in. (2.1 cm)
Object number2008.031.013
Label TextIn ancient Egypt, snakes were both feared and worshipped. As one of the demons of the underworld, the destructive Apophis was feared while the serpent Meretseger was worshipped as the protector of the Valley of the Kings. A cobra, uraeus, was attached to the headdress of ancient Egyptian rulers as their royal insignia and protection. Worn as rings, they acted as protective talismans.
Exhibition HistoryMCCM Permanent Collection Gallery, June 3, 2013 - March 13, 2018
MCCM Permanent Collection Gallery, June 4, 2018 - Present
ProvenanceEx coll. Michael Shubin (1950-2008), Montebello, California.
Status
On view
Collections
  • Greek and Roman Art