Scarab Inscribed for the God's Wife Hatshepsut

Unknown

ca. 1492–1473 B.C. · Silver, glazed steatite · Egyptian Art

Two ring bezels were found among the hand bones of a child who was buried in the tomb of Hatnefer, the mother of Senenmut who was an important official in the reign of Hatshepsut (see 30.3 1 and 30.3.17). This bezel contains a beautifully carved scarab inscribed with Hatshepsut's personal name and her title God's Wife. This title was acquired by Hatshepsut while she was the principal queen of her half-brother, Thutmose II. Soon after taking on the titles of king, the title passed to Hatshepsut's daughter, Neferure (see 27.3.324–27.3.327). The scarab is similar in style and quality to those found in the foundation deposits of Hatshepsut's temple at Deir el-Bahri, but the inscription differs slightly (see esp. 27.3.174–27.3.191)

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1492–1473 B.C.

Medium

Silver, glazed steatite

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1936