Egyptian art - Queen Nefertari cartouche

Cartouche of Nefertari

Dimensions - Total Height including stand - 14 cm / 5 - 1/2 inches

Width - 5.5 cm / 2 - 1/8 inches

Depth - 3 cm / 1-1/8 inches



This is a replica of one of the last pieces that I carved back in 1999. It was a busy year with many projects underway as well as an interactive display at the Queensland museum.

This cartouche was a demonstation piece that was observed by the public in association with the touring Leiden exhibition at the time. I carved many items to show people how much time it can take to carve something of detail and to let people have a go on some amulets of their own.

This particular cartouche has a subtle aged green colouration and is made of a limestone and quartzite composition stone.

Background information

If you want an interesting cartouche to add a hieroglyphic touch to your collection this is a nice example. It features the name of the 19th dynasty's most famous Queen, Nefertari. Often by virtue of the 'Nefer' component of her name, she is not to be confused with 18th dynasty's Nefertiti, for Nefertari came several reigns later. She was the beloved wife of none other than Ramses the Great. Her hieroglyphic name is one of the most beautiful hieroglyphic arrangements featuring the vulture which is a 'mother' glyph. You will also see the the 'Nefer' glyph which looks like a long cross with a tear drop. This means beautiful, or 'that which is good' and if you compare the hieroglyphic name of Nefertiti you will notice how prominent this hieroglyph is.

The name 'cartouche' is a French word used to describe the loop that encircles the hieroglyphic name of a king, queen or god. Napolean's Egyptian campaign brought with it many artists that were set to work documenting the art and astonishing architectural ruins that presented itself to the occupying forces. They noted that the loop with the flat base looked like the shape of a cartridge used in a cannon that was called a cartouche. The Egyptian artists intended it to be a loop of knotted rope binding the name for eternity.