Pendant with mythological scene and cartouche of Amenhotep III
The design of this pectoral complex is structured around the name of Amenhemat III. The heraldic design is full of symbolism. The zig-zag lines on the base bar represent the primordial waters from which the primeval hill emerges. Each of the hawks, symbols of the sun god, clutch with their talons the hieroglyphic Shen, meaning 'surrounded', thus declaring the supreme power of the solar deity over the universe. The same hieroglyph, elongated to form a scroll, surrounds the name of Amenhemat III, Nemaatra. Around it are two ankh hieroglyphs suspended from the cobra whose tails are wrapped around the solar disc on the hawks' heads. These serpents represent Nekhbet and Udjo, the traditional protective deities of the king. Supporting the royal cartouche is the kneeling god Heh clutching two palm branches symbolising 'millions of years'. Thus the king's life and existence in time are described as part of a universe created and sustained by the sun god.
