© Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University

ClassificationsAncient Egyptian Art

Signet Ring of Akhenaten

Place CreatedEgypt, Africa

CultureEgyptian

PeriodNew Kingdom, Dynasty 18, Reign of Akhenaten

Date1353-1336 BCE

MediumBronze

Credit LineMohamed Farid Khamis/Oriental Weavers Fund

Dimensions7/16 x 3/4 x 15/16 in. (1.1 x 1.9 x 2.4 cm)

Object number2016.001.001

Label TextEgyptians began to cast rings in solid metal at the beginning of the New Kingdom. The stirrup ring, with its flat bezel, was decorated with royal figures, deities, and cartouches. The ring's sturdy shape made it perfect for sealing documents.

This ring bears the prenomen, Nefer-kheperu-re, and the epithet, Wa-en-re. Together, they spell Akhenaten's throne name, meaning "Beautiful are the Forms of Re, the Unique One of Re." Although Akhenaten eventually changed the five-fold titulary, he retained this throne name throughout his reign. Officials used rings of this type to seal official documents on behalf of the king. The wear on the ring indicates frequent use.

ProvenanceWith Ralph Huntington Blanchard (1875-1936) [Blanchard's Egyptian Museum], Cairo, Egypt, purchased from an Egyptian, before August 27, 1925. With Thomas Whittemore (1871-1950), Boston, Massachusetts, purchased from Blanchard, ca. August 27, 1925. Ex coll., United States, purchased from Whittemore, after August 27, 1925. Ex private collection, United States, acquired August 8, 1941. Purchased by MCCM from Randall A. Hixenbaugh [Hixenbaugh Ancient Art], New York, New York.

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