Fig. 137.—Sphinx with Human Hands; Bas-Relief from Prisse. (P. & C.)
Fig. 138.—Lion from a Theban Bas-Relief. (P. & C.)
Fig. 139.—Pitcher of Red Earth, British Museum. (P. & C.)
Fig. 140.—Enamelled Earthenware Dish, British Museum. (P. & C.)
Fig. 141.—Enamelled Earthenware Bowl, British Museum. (P. & C.)
Gold had always been more plentiful than silver in ancient Egypt. It was found in the hills of Ethiopia, but silver had to be imported from Asia. This accounts for the great quantities of gold objects and ornaments that have been found in the tombs, and the scarcity of silver ornaments. The Egyptian goldsmiths made all kinds of vessels and personal jewellery in gold, set with lapis lazuli and other precious stones. We shall have to be content with giving, as examples of this art, the famous pectoral of Kha-em-uas, son of Rameses II. (Fig. 142), and the golden hawk (Fig. 143).