Pectoral (Ancient Egypt)

Senusret II's pectoral, by 1878 BC. Hieroglyphs: Ankh, Huh (god)-(=millions), Shen ring, scarab, Ra, Water Ripple, Sun-rising hieroglyph, uraeus

The pectorals of ancient Egypt were a form of jewelry, often in the form of a brooch. They are often also amulets, and may be so described. They were mostly worn by richer people and the pharaoh.

One type is attached with a nah necklace, suspended from the neck and lying on the breast. Statuary from the Old Kingdom onwards shows this form.

Brooch pectoral, with hieroglyphs: uraeus, mut, Djed pillar, shen ring, naos (shrine)
cartouche: adze, was scepter, sun disk, Maat hieroglyph, N-water ripple (n hieroglyph)

A later form was attached as a brooch, with the thematic, iconographic function and statement outweighing its actual use as a piece of jewellery for adornment. The thematic statements were typically about the pharaoh or statements of ancient Egyptian mythology and culture. They are usually of gold with cloisonné inlays of gemstones.