Scarab Decorated with Loops

Unknown

ca. 1770–1670 B.C. · Steatite, traces of blue glaze · Egyptian Art

Designs with twirling continuous lines and coils, sometimes forming complicated woven patterns, appear on scarabs in the early Middle Kingdom and become particularly popular from the later part of Dynasty 12 onward, during the late Middle Kingdom (late Dynasty 12–Dynasty 13, ca. 1850–1640 B.C.). In some cases they are accompanied by hieroglyphs with protective meaning. Soon afterwards, these often complex linear designs were imitated on Canaanite scarabs of the Middle Bronze Age (contemporary with the Second Intermediate Period in Egypt, ca. 1640-1550 B.C.). This scarab shows morphologic details that are characteristic for the late Middle Kingdom. The manner in which its back and sides are carved indicate that it was probably made in a scarab workshop near Lisht, where the Middle Kingdom capital was located. The scarab dates to the middle of Dynasty 13 (ca. 1766–1677 B.C.).

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1770–1670 B.C.

Medium

Steatite, traces of blue glaze

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1915