Egyptian Steatite Scarab with Incised Hieroglyphs

£ 195.00

A steatite Egyptian scarab beetle amulet with incised features such as clypeus, prothorax and elytra marked by single lines. The reverse is detailed with three hieroglyphs; the canine-headed staff (wsr, user), the scarab within the centre (ḫpr, kheper) and the water jar symbol (ḥs, hes). The scarab is pierced longitudinally for suspension.

Date: Circa 1550 - 1070 BC
Period: New Kingdom Period
Provenance: From the Gustave Mustaki collection, a collector of antiquities who amassed a large collection in Alexandria (Egypt).
Condition: Excellent. With clearly defined hieroglyphs.

SOLD

SKU: AH-798 Category: Tags: , ,

The hieroglyphs represented here do not form a specific phrase, but are important signs in themselves. The jackal-headed staff was a logogram representing strength and power. The scarab was synonymous with regeneration and the continuous life cycle. The water jar translating as praise.  The ancient Egyptians believed the Scarabeus Beetle was able to regenerate itself spontaneously from cow dung, which these beetles could be observed rolling into small balls and burying. Consequently, the scarab came to symbolise a spontaneous continuation of the life cycle. The Egyptians regarded the scarab as an embodiment of the creator god, who was accordingly self-engendered.

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

 

Weight 1.1 g
Dimensions L 1.2 cm
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Culture

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Stone