Egyptian, ca. 2000 B.C.
From the collection of The Suq, Oriental Institute, University of Chicago

This widely used hieroglyphic greeting, or “divine words” as the ancient Egyptians called their system of writing, may be translated: ‘May you live, be prosperous and healthy’. Deemed a matter of courtesy when addressing His Majesty the king or one’s friends, it was probably also believed that some magical benefit would accrue to the person addressed or referred to by the phrase.

Pewter with gold finish and blue epoxy