Egyptian Steatite Scarab with a Baboon

$246.28

A steatite Egyptian scarab beetle amulet with incised features such as clypeus, prothorax and elytra marked by single lines. The reverse is detailed with two incised hieroglyphs, the three-stemmed papyrus and a crouching animal, most likely a baboon representing the god Thoth. The amulet is pierced longitudinally for suspension.

Date: Circa 712 - 323 BC
Period: Late Period
Provenance: from the Gustave Mustaki collection, a collector of antiquities who amassed a large collection in Alexandria (Egypt).
Condition: Excellent. With very fine and clearly defined hieroglyphs.

SOLD

SKU: AH-794 Category: Tags: , , ,

The three-stemmed papyrus hieroglyph was a symbol of regeneration, symbolising life and eternity. The papyrus plant held special significance to the Ancient Egyptians, who believed the afterlife mirrored the fertile Nile, and promptly labelled it the ‘Field of Reeds’.

The baboon hieroglyph most likely 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.

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

 

Weight 0.9 g
Dimensions L 1.2 cm
Country

Culture

Egyptian Mythology

Region

Stone