Egyptian Steatite Scarab with Uraei

£ 250.00

An Egyptian steatite scarab amulet, from the Hyksos period, with incised features such as clypeus, prothorax and elytra marked by single lines. The reverse features various incised hieroglyphs, depicted for their apotropaic value rather than a specific meaning. To the left is a large incised paypyrus plant whilst the most obvious decoration are four aligned uraei to the left, displayed vertically.

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 condition. With very fine and clearly defined hieroglyphs. Pierced hole is blocked.

SOLD

SKU: LD-197 Category: Tags: , ,

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 2.83 g
Dimensions L 1.8 x H 1.4 cm
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