Ancient Egyptian Turquoise-Glazed Steatite Scarab
£ 395.00
A large turquoise-glazed steatite scarab with hieroglyphs to the reverse. The obverse features a stylised head and clypeus, formed from incised lines. Linear striations mark the elytra. The reverse features a busy scene, using the full space of the scarab. Reading the scarab horizontally, from left to right, we can firstly recognise the glyph of the basket, a sign whose phonogram is ‘k’ and which evoked meanings of lordship, kingship and authority. This heralds the following sign of a kneeling ruler, who appears to hold an object in adoration, which may well be a stylised obelisk or pronged nefer (a sign expressing goodness and perfection). To the right of the ruler, we see a large ‘ma’at’ feather, which similarly conveys ideas of truth, harmony and balance. In the final position of this scene is a ‘was’ sceptre, distinguishable by its forked base and beaked top, representing the head of Anubis. This staff proclaimed dominion and power, completing the heavily apotropaic nature of this scarab and its expression of good wishes and strength to its owner.
Date: Circa 1550 - 1070 BC
Period: New Kingdom
Provenance: Ex private UK collection, Cambridge, Mr. S. collection.
Condition: Fine condition. Some glaze remaining.
In stock
The scarab beetle was an exceedingly popular symbol in the art of Ancient Egypt, thought to represent the sun god, Ra. The Ancient Egyptians believed that the scarab beetle rolling its ball of dung across the desert mirrored the journey of the sun across the sky from day to night. As the beetle laid its eggs within the dung, it became a symbol of rebirth and regeneration. These scarab beetle amulets were made in various forms, such as heart scarabs, commemorative scarabs, and scarab amulets, thus catering to different functions. Scarab amulets were believed to have magical rejuvenating properties, used by both the living and the dead.
To find out more about Ancient Egyptian amulets please see our relevant blog post: Egyptian Amulets and their Meanings.
