Scarab Inscribed with Nefer in Scroll Border

Unknown

ca. 1850–1640 B.C. · Lapis lazuli · Egyptian Art

The majority of design scarabs of the late Middle Kingdom (late Dynasty 12–Dynasty 13, ca. 1850–1640 B.C.) are decorated with symmetric compositions of protective hieroglyphs and/or scrolls. Decorative scroll borders are very popular and enclose one or more hieroglyphs, which usually include the sign for good and beautiful (nefer). This scarab was found on a finger of the mummy of a lady named Satsobek, buried in one of the late Middle Kingdom tombs at Lisht.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1850–1640 B.C.

Medium

Lapis lazuli

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund and Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1922