The Egyptian god, Amun-Ra, was a highly important deity in the Egyptian pantheon. Originally, he was worshipped as two gods, the creator of the universe, Amun, and the sun-god, Ra. He gains national importance after the defeat of the Hyksos at Thebes in the 16th century and it is from this date we see a combination of the two gods. As his position grew, Amun-Ra’s worship was almost monotheistic in nature, with the other gods considered manifestations of him. So great was his influence that he was identified with the Greek god Zeus from the Ptolemaic period, to form Zeus Ammon. Alexander the Great claimed divine descent as the son of Amun.
Egyptian Steatite Scarab Dedicated to Amun-Re
£ 1,495.00
An exceptionally large, steatite Egyptian scarab dedicated to Amun-Re and inscribed with hieroglyphs to the reverse. The obverse features a finely moulded and detailed head and clypeus, with inscribed lines sectioning the prothorax and elytra. Triangular notches indicate the humeral callosities. The reverse features clear and well proportioned hieroglyphs. There is a prominent central register which features a central figure, seated and holding an ‘ankh’ to their raised knees. The figure is slightly ambiguous, but given the composition could refer to Re with a falcon head or the female deity, Ma’at. Flanking this central figure are two ‘nefer’ signs, which translate as ‘perfect’. Above this central register is a smaller band, filled with clear hieroglyphs. There is a horus falcon depicted, holding the royal flail and a feather of Ma’at before him. The bottom register features a large ‘neb’ sign, to fill the remaining composition.
Period: Late New Kingdom – Late Period.
Provenance: Ex Mustaki collection and Charles Ede Gallery, 1990’s
Condition: Very fine. Clear hieroglyphs and finely moulded detailing. Exceptionally large example.
SOLD
| Weight | 19.5 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | L 3.5 x W 2.4 cm |
| Culture | |
| Material | |
| Region |
