The Cartouche

A cartouche is a carved or inscribed enclosure, often oval or rectangular, used in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs to highlight the name of a ruler or deity. It typically contains the royal's or deity's name, framed by a protective symbol like a looped rope, symbolizing eternity and divine power. Cartouches served both decorative and functional purposes, ensuring the name’s prominence and preservation in inscriptions, tombs, and monuments. They are valuable for historians because they clearly identify the person being referenced, helping us understand ancient Egyptian history and leadership.