Scarab Inscribed with Blessing Related to Horus

Unknown

ca. 1070–664 B.C. · Green jasper · Egyptian Art

This scarab is delicately cut from a semi-precious stone, probably green jasper. Green stones were often used for the manufacture of amulets: for the ancient Egyptians, the color referred to vegetation and therefore to life and renewal. The hieroglyphs on the base form a blessing relating to the sun god Horus, who is represented at the top as a falcon holding a flagellum. Given the limited surface on scarab bases, seal carvers were often very creative in using as few hieroglyphs and signs as possible in order to convey their message.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1070–664 B.C.

Medium

Green jasper

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926