Egyptian Steatite Scarab Dedicated to Amun-Ra

A steatite Egyptian scarab with incised hieroglyphs to the reverse. The moulded obverse features a detailed clypeus, head and protruding notched legs, whilst single inscribed lines have been used to depict the prothorax and elytra. Incised indentations mark the humeral callosities. The scarab is decorated to the reverse with various hieroglyphs referring to the god Amun-Ra. To the top is the draughtboard sign 𓏠 (‘mn’ sound) and the water ripple sign 𓈖 (‘n’ sound), symbols used in the writing of Amun. The two signs are followed by a semicircle which represents the god Ra and a goose/duck, facing right. Together these signs transliterate as sʒ rʿ, and would translate as ‘son of Ra’.  Additionally the goose was a sacred animal of the god Amun, whose list of epithets included ‘the great cackler’. Thus the scarab is being deliberately ambiguous in the gods it invokes the protection of; calling upon Amun and Ra for aid. The scarab is pierced longitudinally for suspension.