Inlay of the hieroglyphic sign "heh" meaning "millions of years"

Late Period–Ptolemaic Period
4th century B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 134
This inlay depicts the god Heh. Heh is a god associated with the primeval ocean, the supports of the sky, and - associated with concepts of extent - can serve as the hieroglyph for a "million".

The notched reed that topped his head, and that symbolized the counting and passage of years, has broken away leaving only a small stem.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Inlay of the hieroglyphic sign "heh" meaning "millions of years"
  • Period: Late Period–Ptolemaic Period
  • Date: 4th century B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt; Possibly from Middle Egypt, Hermopolis (Ashmunein; Khemenu)
  • Medium: Faience
  • Dimensions: H. 14.9 cm (5 7/8 in.); W. 10.1 cm (4 in.); D. 1.1 cm (7/16 in.)
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926
  • Object Number: 26.7.993
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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