Egyptian Steatite Scarab with a Winged Beetle
Egyptian Steatite Scarab with a Winged Beetle
Egyptian Steatite Scarab with a Winged Beetle
Egyptian Steatite Scarab with a Winged Beetle

Egyptian Steatite Scarab with a Winged Beetle

$292.04

A steatite Egyptian, Hyksos period scarab beetle amulet with incised features such as clypeus, prothorax and elytra marked by single lines. The reverse is detailed with various ‘common’ hieroglyphs with deep apotropaic values. Within the scarabs centre is a large, ornate winged beetle. Above it, is a central ‘ankh’ sign (meaning ‘life’), flanked by two opposing falcons. Below the winged beetle sits a central ‘djed’ sign, flanked by two stylized representations of the red crown of Lower Egypt (the Delta region). The amulet is pierced longitudinally for suspension.

Date: Circa 1760–1500 BC
Period: Late Middle Kingdom - Second Intermediate Period.
Provenance: From the Gustave Mustaki collection, a collector of antiquities who amassed a large collection in Alexandria (Egypt).
Condition: Fine, clear precise hieroglyphs. Repaired, two cracks visible.

SOLD

SKU: AH-875 Category: Tags: , ,

A scarab such as this, typical of the Hyksos style, features characteristic ‘Egyptian’ hieroglyphs formulated into a symmetrical pattern. The combination of signs does not form a specific meaning or phrase but they were chosen instead for the apotropaic values. This particular scarab includes the important signs for life (the ankh), durability (the djed) and for Lower Egypt (the red crown).

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

Weight 2 g
Dimensions L 1.7 x W 1.2 cm
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