Egyptian Steatite Scarab with Hieroglyphs

$284.17

A delicate steatite Egyptian scarab with incised features such as the clypeus, prothorax and elytra marked by single lines. Decorated to the reverse, it has been incised with stylised hieroglyphs, including two Ma’at feathers and a Horus bird. The amulet is pierced longitudinally for suspension.

Date: Circa 1850–1640 BC
Period: Middle Kingdom, Dynasty 12 - 13
Provenance: Ex private London based collection, AH, formerly in English family collections acquired from the 1920s - 1990s.
Condition: Very fine with vivid hieroglyphs. Small chip to the side.

SOLD

SKU: AH-898 Category: Tags: , , ,

Scarabs of this type, with generalised hieroglyphs and geometric patterns, were popular during the Middle Kingdom. They gain popularity during late Dynasty 12 to Dynasty 13, circa 1850–1640 BC. The hieroglyphs do not translate into a specific phrase but were chosen for their popularity and general apotropaic values.

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

Weight 1.3 g
Dimensions L 1.6 cm
Culture

Region

Stone