Scarab with the Representation of a Hand

Unknown

ca. 1295–664 B.C. · Steatite · Egyptian Art

The underside of this scarab shows a hand. This motif appears on seal-amulets during the Ramesside Period (Dynasty 19-20, ca. 1295-1070 B.C.) until the Third Intermediate Period. Its precise meaning is unclear but it probably refers to protection and wards off evil.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1295–664 B.C.

Medium

Steatite

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1905