Egyptian Scaraboid Amulet to Bastet and Hathor

$347.52

An Egyptian turquoise glazed steatite scaraboid decorated to the reverse. A stylised face with a feathered headdress is inscribed to the centre, in the form of a Hathor sistrum. On either side sits a reclining cat, head turned inwards towards the sistrum and centre of the scaraboid. The piece is pierced longitudinally for suspension.

Date: Circa 1550 - 1069 BC
Period: New Kingdom
Provenance: Ex private London based collection, AH, formerly in English family collections acquired from the 1920s - 1990s.
Condition: Excellent. Very clear and precise hieroglyphs

SOLD

SKU: AH-918 Category: Tags: , ,

Both Hathor and Bastet were goddesses closely associated with each other. As daughters of Ra they were both connected to solar imagery. In particular they were associated with the divine aspect, the ‘Eye of Ra’, a feminine division of the solar deity. As an extension of Ra’s power, the Eye had multiple attributes. It was seen as procreative, a life force, aggressive and protective. The Eye was thus linked to multiple goddesses who also retained such attributes, from primary Egyptian pantheon figures like Hathor to minor goddesses. In particular, many of the goddesses linked to the Eye took felid form, Bastet and Sekhmet for example. Due to their connection to the Eye it was not unusual to see juxtaposed goddesses represented together and taking on each other’s attributes. Whilst Hathor and Bastet were linked for their connection to the Eye, Bastet did also feature a more malevolent nature to contrast with Hathor’s more gentle mannerisms.

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

Weight 0.5 g
Dimensions L 1.8 x W 0.8 cm
Culture

Egyptian Mythology

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Region

Stone