Egyptian Steatite Scarab with Hieroglyphs

£ 235.00

An Ancient Egyptian glazed steatite scarab featuring a hieroglyphic inscription on the base. The scarab is rendered naturalistically, with hollowed eyes and incisions defining the prothorax and wing cases. The legs of the scarab are carved deeply in the sides of the amulet, raising at the base of the prothorax in typical fashion. On the base, the hieroglyphs depict a djed pillar (𓊽), symbolising strength and stability, and the sun symbol (𓇳) in the top register. Beneath the sun glyph is an eye symbol (𓁹). The bottom register features a sun-disc flanked by uraei (𓇴) above the ḥtp sign (𓊵), described as an altar or loaf on a reed mat. The amulet is pierced longitudinally for suspension. Some original green glaze survives.

Date: Circa 1539-1075 BC
Period: New Kingdom Period
Condition: Good. There is some minor damage to the front of the scarab.

SOLD

SKU: KW-61 Category: Tags: , ,

The scarab beetle was an exceedingly popular symbol in the art of Ancient Egypt, thought to represent the sun god, Ra. The Ancient Egyptians believed that the scarab beetle rolling its ball of dung across the desert mirrored the journey of the sun across the sky from day to night. As the beetle laid its eggs within the dung, it became a symbol of rebirth and regeneration. These scarab beetle amulets were made in various forms, such as heart scarabs, commemorative scarabs, and scarab amulets, thus catering to different functions. Many scarabs have been found inside the wrapping of mummies to ensure a safe journey into the afterlife, but amulets were also used by the living for protection or in order to have their wishes granted.

To find out more about Ancient Egyptian amulets please see our relevant blog post: Egyptian Amulets and their Meanings.
Weight 1.60 g
Dimensions L 1.7 x W 1.2 x H 0.8 cm
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