Egyptian Steatite Scarab with Royal Title

An Egyptian steatite scarab with a decorated reverse. The amulet features a moulded obverse, showcasing a detailed clypeus and head, with inscribed linear indentations. The prothorax and elytra are formed from a double, linear segmentation. The feet at each side are deeply carved with clear feathering. The reverse features a set of three hieroglyphs, forming a royal title. The largest of the three signs is an insect, depicting a bee. It has large oval wings and a segmented body. To its right is a floral hieroglyph, known as a sedge plant. The final sign is a round sun disc. Together these signs refer to the ‘nswt-bjtj’ title of the pharaoh, or King of Upper and Lower Egypt. The literal translation would ‘He of the Sedge and the Bee’.