The prostrating baboons depicted here, with lunar crescents on their head represents the god Thoth. Thoth was an important deity in the Egyptian pantheon, existing since pre-dynastic times. He was god of scribes, writing, thought and the implementing of laws. In the afterlife he was a key deity in the ‘weighing of the Heart’ ceremony, recording the deceased’s heart against the feather of Ma’at, representing the principle of Ma’at, was exactly even.
According to the Heliopolitan creation myth, Atum wished himself into existence from Nun, emerging as the mythical Bennu bird. Flying to Heliopolis, he descended on the Benben, the mound that arose from the primordial waters and the peak of a pyramid. The capstone of an obelisk is thus associated with both the Bennu and the Benben, and thus to Amun.
Egyptian Steatite Scarab Dedicated to Amun-Re
£ 800.00
A large, steatite scarab dedicated to the sun god, Amun-Re. The obverse features a stylised head and clypeus, formed from gentle moulding and incised lines. The prothorax and elytra are formed from slightly curving linear marks. The reverse is detailed with solar imagery. Within the centre of the scene is a triangular-topped obelisk, with two flanking figures. Portrayed as a Baboon, wearing a crescent moon upon his head, the scarab depicts the god Thoth prostrating before the obelisk. A simplified solar barque hieroglyph has been placed to the top of the scene, to represent the god Amun-Re. A thick, rope-like band encircles the scene. The amulet is pierced longitudinally for suspension. An exceptionally large example.
Period: Late Period.
Provenance: Ex Mustaki collection and Charles Ede Gallery, 1990’s
Condition: Very fine. Clear hieroglyphs and incised detailing. Small chip to the reverse. Exceptionally large example.
In stock
| Weight | 15.6 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | L 3.3 x W 2.4 cm |
| Culture | |
| Region | |
| Material | |
| Egyptian Mythology |
