Egyptian Glazed Steatite Scaraboid with Uraei

£ 250.00

A rounded turquoise-glazed steatite scaraboid featuring a domed obverse and a decorated reverse. The underside is decorated with incised uraei, placed symmetrically at each corner. They meet in the centre of the scaraboid to form a symmetrical pattern.

The scaraboid has been pierced longitudinally for suspension.

Date: Circa 1550 - 1070 BC
Period: New Kingdom
Provenance: Ex private London based collection, AH, formerly in English family collections acquired from the 1920s - 1990s.
Condition: Very good condition.

SOLD

SKU: AH-923 Category: Tags: ,

The cobra and the Ureaus were associated with the goddess, Wadjet – the protective deity of Lower Egypt. A powerful figure, Wadjet accounted for one half of the euphemistic ‘Two Ladies’ title of the Pharaoh (the other half being the vulture goddess Nekhbet), and accordingly acted as a symbol for divine rule, sovereignty, and absolute authority. As party of the pharaohs royal titular, the ‘Two Ladies’ title was represented with the uruaeus or vulture hieroglyph standing on a basket sign, a ‘neb’ hieroglyph. The uraeai inscribed upon this scarab could be calling on the goddess’ protection, as patron of Lower Egypt.

To find out more about Ancient Egyptian amulets please see our relevant blog post: Egyptian Amulets and their Meanings.

Weight 1.2 g
Dimensions L 1.4 x W 1.4 cm
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