Egyptian Steatite Scarab Dedicated to Amun & Thutmose III

£ 290.00

A steatite Egyptian scarab beetle amulet with incised features such as clypeus, prothorax and elytra marked by single lines. The reverse features incised hieroglyphs and a prominent oval cartouche. The oval cartouche includes the familiar signs for the prenomen of Thutmose III, transliterating as Men-Kheper-Re. To the left of the cartouche the seated figure of Ma’at is depicted within the centre of the scarab, holding an ankh and wearing a distinguishing feathered headdress. In this depiction, the figure of Ma’at replaces the typical ostrich feather that usually formulates Amun’s name. To the left of the seated deity, the rest of the familiar hieroglyphs used for Amun can be seen; the draughtboard sign (‘mn’ sound), the ripple of water (‘n’ sound), and a round sun-disc. The final sign depicts the markings of the wḏȝt-eye (transliterated as ‘tit’, meaning ‘image of’. The first three hieroglyphs, together with the figure of Ma’at, combine to form the name of the god Amun. And the inclusion of the ‘tit’ symbol can thus be translated as ‘In the image of Amun’.

The scarab is pierced longitudinally for suspension.

Date: Circa 733–664 BC
Period: Third Intermediate Period – Late Period
Provenance: From the Gustave Mustaki collection, a collector of antiquities who amassed a large collection in Alexandria (Egypt).
Condition: Fine condition. Stained with purple pigment is visable to the hieroglyphs.

SOLD

SKU: LD-196 Category:

Amun was one of the principle deities within the Egyptian pantheon. Worshipped from the Old Kingdom, his importance grew and he was eventually placed as the patron god of Thebes. His national importance was affirmed with the fusion of Amun and the sky-god, Ra, to become Amun-Ra. He was associated by the Ancient Greeks to Zeus.

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

Weight 1.28 g
Dimensions L 1.4 x H 1 cm
Culture

Stone

Egyptian Mythology

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Region