Two Feathers Amulet of the Scribe Ro-ii

Artist Unidentified

Period New Kingdom Period (Ancient Egyptian, 1550–1070 BCE)

Period Third Intermediate Period (Ancient Egyptian, 1070–664 BCE)

Dynasty Dynasty 19 (Ancient Egyptian, 1295–1186 BCE)

Dynasty Dynasty 20 (Ancient Egyptian, 1186–1070 BCE)

Dynasty Dynasty 21 (Ancient Egyptian, 1070–945 BCE)

Dynasty Dynasty 22 (Libyan) (Ancient Egyptian, 945–712 BCE)

Dynasty Dynasty 23 (Ancient Egyptian, 818–712 BCE)

Dynasty Dynasty 24 (Ancient Egyptian, 724–712 BCE)

Dynasty Dynasty 25 (Nubian) (Ancient Egyptian, 712–664 BCE)

Place of OriginEgypt

Date19th-25th Dynasties (1295-664 BCE)

Dimensions3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm)

Mediumcalcite

ClassificationJewelry

Credit LineGift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

1906.67

Not on View

DescriptionAmulet of the scribe Ro-ii, carved in the form of two ostrich feathers, sometimes interpreted as a forked lance. Made of brown, close-grained stone with a smooth, polished surface. A single incised vertical line appears on each face, suggesting feather detail. The obverse bears a vertically arranged inscription naming the owner and his title. The amulet is solid, without eyelet or perforation.

Label TextThis calcite amulet bears the name of Ro-ii, a scribe, and features hieroglyphs symbolizing his profession. This particular shape, carved in the form of two upright ostrich feathers, represents the Egyptian "shuty" motif—a powerful symbol of divine authority and protection. Double-feather amulets are closely associated with the crowns of major deities, particularly the god Osiris, who is depicted wearing the Atef crown: a white crown flanked by two ostrich plumes. Amulets in this form were intended to confer stability, legitimacy, and protection upon the wearer, especially in the afterlife.Published ReferencesPeck, William H., Sandra E. Knudsen and Paula Reich, Egypt in Toledo: The Ancient Egyptian Collection at the Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo, Toledo Museum of Art, 2011, p. 23, repr. (col.).Exhibition HistoryToledo Museum of Art, The Egypt Experience: Secrets of the Tomb, 2010-2012.