Scarab with Horned Animal and Uraei

Unknown

ca. 1640–1500 B.C. (late Middle Bronze Age IIB-IIC) · Steatite · Egyptian Art

Canaanite scarabs of the late Middle Bronze Age (ca. 1640–1500 B.C.) frequently show scenes with a wild animal such as a lion, ibex, antelope or crocodile, or to a lesser extent with a donkey or hippo, only a few examples depict bulls. Except for the donkey and bull, these animals live in the wild and were feared as well as respected. During this period, Canaanite seal carvers decorated the interior of animals with parallel lines, or short strokes to represent their fur. It has been suggested that compositions with wild animals symbolize the successful dominance over nature and control over chaos. The animal represented on this scarab is an antelope (gazelle) or an ibex, based on its slightly curved horns. In front of and above the back of the horned animal are uraei

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1640–1500 B.C. (late Middle Bronze Age IIB-IIC)

Medium

Steatite

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund and Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1922