Cylinder Seal with Hieroglyphs

Description

<p>This cylinder seal is inscribed with early hieroglyphic signs that possibly spell the personal name Wer-Netcheret, followed by a sign believed to be an epithet of the dead. The seal is pierced lengthwise so as to be worn as a personal ornament that acted as both a marker of status and a protective charm. This seal dates to the beginning of the Egyptian state during the First Dynasty or the early Second Dynasty (ca. 2960-2649 BCE). Administrative cylinder seals also existed during this early period, however based on the known provenance of many of these seal-types—non-royal tombs—this seal’s function was most likely to help maintain the deceased’s funerary cult rather than to act as an administrative tool. It includes early hieroglyphic signs that most likely spell the personal name Wer-Netcheret, followed by a sign believed to be an epithet of the dead.</p><p>For the latest information about this object, <cite><a href='https://purl.thewalters.org/art/42.174' rel='external'>Cylinder Seal with Hieroglyphs</a></cite>, visit the Online Collection of the Walters Art Museum.</p>

Inscriptions (2)