Breastplate of a pharaoh
Breastplate of a pharaoh In Egypt the king wore a shield protecting his breast. Later also other persons with special power could wear those plate armor. The breastplates were supposed to emphasize the significance of an office holder who was wearing it. In postexilic Israel, only the High Priest wore a breastplate. Instead of picturesque motifs, it was decorated with twelve precious stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Exod 28:15–30 ; 39:8–21