Plaque with the birth name of Ramesses V

The obverse of this bright blue plaque amulet made of Egyptian faience is inscribed with the birth name of Ramesses V (ca. 1149–1146 BC), its reverse side is not decorated. The inscription is bordered with a rectangular line. The amulet’s characteristic rectangular shape and the small hole pierced through its longitudinal axis suggest that it was originally set in a ring. According to ancient Egyptian beliefs, the king’s name could be a substitute for his actual person, who ruled the realm of the living as the son of the sun god. The royal names, or epithets referring to the victorious king, were also believed to have a strong protective power, similar to the names and images of gods. Similar amulets were made and reproduced using fired clay moulds.