Gold pectoral of a hovering
falcon
From Egypt
Late Period,
after 600 BC
Inlaid with multicoloured
glass
Pectorals first appear in royal burials of the
Middle Kingdom (about 2040-1750 BC), but are known from wall
decoration of the Old Kingdom (about 2613-2160 BC). They are
usually made of precious metal, inlaid with semi-precious stone or
coloured glass. Pectorals were often placed on the chest of the
mummy. Twenty-six pectorals were found in the tomb of Tutankhamun.
Some were placed on his body, while others were found in one of the
Anubis shrines and chests. Many pieces were worn during life as
they show signs of
wear.
The decoration of
pectorals was often associated with kingship, and with the
protection of the gods. Symbols for eternity, life and protection
are also often included. Falcons with outstretched wings were a
popular motif. Their form allowed for elaborate and colourful
inlays. The falcon was associated with the sun god, and with the
ba. The
ba was the element of an
individual which is close to what we would call the
'personality'. The
ba, represented by a
bird, usually with a human head, was believed to stay close to the
body.
S. Quirke and A.J. Spencer, The British Museum book of anc (London, The British Museum Press, 1992)