About This Design
This artwork is a tribute to the ancient Tesem — one of the oldest known dog breeds in human history and one of Egypt’s original canine guardians. These elegant, long-legged sighthounds appeared in tomb reliefs, temple carvings, and hunting scenes dating back over 5,000 years. Egyptians valued the Tesem for its intelligence, speed, loyalty, and almost spiritual presence. They served as royal hunting companions, desert scouts, and sacred protectors of the household and the afterlife.
In this piece, the Tesem is reimagined in electric blue to symbolize divine loyalty and the spiritual “ba” energy that Egyptians believed connected the living with the gods. Flanking a golden pyramid pulsing with violet-gold geometry, these guardians stand at the threshold of power, memory, and mythology.
Above them, the sacred Acacia tree rises — the same tree Egyptians associated with rebirth, the origin of gods, and the eternal cycle of life. Many ancient texts refer to the Acacia as the “Tree of Life,” believed to be the place where gods were born and where souls traveled toward renewal.
At the peak of the pyramid stands the Pharaoh’s mask, representing authority, protection, and the enduring legacy of ancient Egyptian royalty. The palm-frieze foundation is inspired by original Old Kingdom artwork, grounding the design in real historical imagery while blending it with modern surrealist color and energy.
This piece combines ancient history with contemporary art, creating a wearable story that honors the roots of civilization while expressing a bold, modern aesthetic.
⭐ About Trotter Ink
Each design is created with a mix of historical research, cultural storytelling, and imaginative artwork. As someone who has spent over 15 years working closely with dogs through my dog-walking business, I draw inspiration from their personalities, loyalty, and the way they connect us across cultures and time. Many of my designs explore the relationship between dogs and ancient civilization — how they protected, worked, and walked alongside humanity since the beginning.
Every design is original, fully copyrighted, and produced with high-resolution artwork to ensure a clean, sharp print.
⭐ Care & Quality
This design is printed on a high-quality unisex tee known for durability, sharp print detail, and a structured fit. The artwork is printed using direct-to-garment technology to preserve color vibrancy and fine details.
• 100% cotton
• Soft feel, classic fit
• Long-lasting print clarity
• Made to order to reduce waste