Bracelet of Psusennes I

This unique bracelet of Psusennes I is decorated with a winged scarab as its major feature. The scarab holds the sun-disc in its front legs, and the shen-sign of infinity with its rear legs. The cartouches of Psusennes I can also be seen, each surmounted by a sun-disc.

The cartouches and the scarab are separated by ovals decorated with different colored semi-precious stones, meant to represent the wings of the scarab. His names are written underneath the sun disc, each in a separate Cartouche.

The first, on the right, is his birth name read: Pa-sba-kha-n-niwt or ‘The Shining Star in the City’. On the left is his throne name: Aa-kheper-Ra Setp-n-Imn ‘Great is the transformation of Ra, the chosen of Amun’.

Scarabs and the Wadjet eyes were the most popular forms of amulets to ward off evil from the time of the New Kingdom on. The wings of the scarab are set with stones of various colors but in a herringbone pattern. 

Bracelets and anklets were items of major importance for the protection of the mummy as the role of their patterns was to guarantee immortality to the deceased.

In total, 26 bracelets and anklets were found on Psusennes’ mummy, 10 on the right arm, 12 on the left, 2 above the knees, and 2 at the ankles.

The two bracelets of Psusennes I are each decorated with a winged scarab as their major feature. The scarab holds the sun-disc in its front legs, and the shen-sign of infinity with its rear legs. The cartouches of Psusennes I can also be seen, each surmounted by a sun-disc.

The cartouches and scarabs are separated by ovals decorated with different colored semi-precious stones, meant to represent the wings of the scarabs.

Third Intermediate Period, 21st Dynasty, reign of Psusennes I, ca. 1047-1001 BC. From the Tomb of Psusennes I, NRT III, Tanis. Now in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo. JE 86027 – JE 86028