Egyptian Steatite Tilapia Scaraboid

An Egyptian steatite scaraboid in the form of a tilapia fish. The obverse is depicted in relief with incised markings highlighting the anatomical details of the fish. Diagonal striations decorate the fins, whilst short uniform lines have been used to indicate the scales. The reverse is decorated with three clear hieroglyphs. To the left is a large, seated figure of the goddess Ma’at. She wears the familiar, feathered headdress. To the top is a circular sun disc. The last sign is the crook hieroglyph, which transliterates as ḥḳȝ. The sign translates as ‘rule’. Together these three signs form part of the throne name of Ramesses IV.