Earring with ram's head. Egyptian, gold, 5/8 x 9/16 in., 3/16 in. (1.6 x 1.5 cm, 0.4 cm). Gift of Mrs. Cole Porter. JE.1.C. © 2011 Williams College of Art

The god Amun was often portrayed as a ram and both were associated with creativity and virility. Earrings were worn by men and women, both in life and after death, and were made in many different shapes, using a variety of materials. Gold was commonly used, as were inlays of precious stones and glass. The Egyptians were excellent goldsmiths. Gold was valued in ancient Egypt as a precious metal, and was associated with the gods, particularly the sun god, because of its warm reflective qualities.