Scarab with Hieroglyphs

Unknown

ca. 1850–1640 B.C. · Bright blue glazed steatite · Egyptian Art

Symmetric compositions of hieroglyphs creating a positive meaning are very popular on scarab amulets during the Middle Kingdom. This scarab shows the sign for endurance (djed) between signs of life (ankh) and a royal symbol, the bee. These hieroglyphs convey benevolent concepts, aimed at providing the owner of the amulet with protection and support. The manner in which the details of the back and sides of the scarab are incised, allows dating the scarab to the late Middle Kingdom (late Dynasty 12–Dynasty 13, ca. 1850–1640 B.C.).

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1850–1640 B.C.

Medium

Bright blue glazed steatite

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund and Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1922