The artifact originates from the Ptolemaic era (305-30 BC) and is an example of the high degree of skill displayed in Egyptian craftsmanship. This piece is a carved representation of a snake, a widespread and influential symbol in Egyptian mythology. It is shaped into a coiled snake, particularly a Cobra, and seems to depict a state of alertness or preparation for attack.
The Cobra is associated with the goddess Wadjet, an important figure in ancient Egyptian religion. Considering this, the artifact likely served a protective function for royal and sacred spaces, consonant with the serpent's role as defenders in ancient Egyptian culture.