Egyptian Steatite Scarab Incised with Falcon-Headed Figure

£ 325.00

A delicate ancient Egyptian steatite scarab inscribed with a falcon-headed human figure on the reverse. The obverse is minimalistic in detail, with two subtle notches on either side to suggest a prothorax, yet there is more attention given to the head, horn, and clypeus, as well as the legs. On the reverse, a falcon headed figure stands atop a ‘neb’ basket, holding a lotus flower to his face. This deity is of unclear identity, though certainly represents some god, and is stood beside a uraeus, both facing to the right. The scarab is pierced longitudinally for suspension.

Date: Circa 1650 - 1550 BC
Period: Hyksos Period, Second Intermediate Period
Condition: Very fine condition, with minor chips around the edges.

SOLD

SKU: NS-03 Category: Tags: , , , , ,

The scarab beetle was a popular symbol in Ancient Egypt, and were used as mainly amulets which were inscribed with powerful spells and symbols. The scarab beetle was associated with the sun god, Ra, as the Ancient Egyptians paralleled the image of the scarab beetle rolling dung across the dessert with that of the sun journeying across the sky from day to night. Similar scarabs are found in both Egypt and Canaan, with much of the imagery coming from Canaanite styles. Scarabs such as these were produced from the early Middle Kingdom, but most likely this example is from the Second Intermediate Period, based on other similar examples.

Weight 1.8 g
Dimensions L 1.7 cm
Culture

Region

Stone

Reference: For similar: The British Museum, London, item EA37538