This pectoral is composed around the throne name of King
Senwosret II. It was found among the jewelry of Princess
Sithathoryunet in a special niche of her underground tomb beside
the pyramid of Senwosret II at Lahun. Hieroglyphic signs make up
the design, and the whole may be read: "The god of the rising
sun grants life and dominion over all that the sun encircles for
one million one hundred thousand years [i.e., eternity] to King
Khakheperre [Senwosret II]."This cloisonné pectoral is inlaid
with 372 carefully cut pieces of semiprecious stones. The
heraldic design is replete with symbolism. Zigzag lines on the
base bar represent the primordial waters out of which the
primeval hill emerged. Each of the falcons, symbols of the sun
god, clasps a circular hieroglyph meaning "encircled," thus
declaring the solar deity's supreme power over the universe. The
same hieroglyph, elongated to form a cartouche, encircles the
throne name of Senwosret II, Khakheperre. Flanking the king's
name are two ankh hieroglyphs (meani