Egyptian Hyksos Period Scarab with Birds and Kheper

£ 225.00

A steatite Egyptian scarab beetle amulet with incised features such as the clypeus, head and eyes, prothorax and elytra. The reverse is detailed with carved hieroglyphs, including the scarab (ḫpr, kheper) within the centre, accompanied by two birds on each side. The three animals have been placed upon  basket symbol (nb, nbt). The amulet is pierced longitudinally for suspension.

Date: Circa 1700–1500 BC
Period: Second Intermediate Period, Dynasty 13th to 17th
Provenance: Ex major S.M., London, Collection 1970-2010.
Condition: Fine condition with clear hieroglyphs.

In stock

SKU: MG-68 Category: Tags: , ,

The Hyksos period, during the late Middle Kingdom, was a period of foreign rule by a succession of Asiatic chieftains, hailing from the Levant. Craftsmen followed on the tradition of using scarabs as protection amulets however their style and motifs were different. A scarab such as this, typical of the Hyksos style, features characteristic ‘Egyptian’ hieroglyphs formulated into a symmetrical pattern. The Hyksos recognised the apotropaic values of the scarab and one such as this, with the ankh and nfr signs, would have been exceedingly popular.

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

Weight 2.5 g
Dimensions L 1.6 x W 1.1 x H 0.9 cm
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