Scarab Incised with Hieroglyphs and a Cruciform Design

Unknown

ca. 1760–1670 B.C. · Steatite, traces of green glaze · Egyptian Art

The underside of the scarab is finely decorated with a cross design consisting of scrolls centered on convoluted coils. Coil designs are not often combined with cruciform patterns; this is a rare and elaborate example dating to the late Middle Kingdom (late Dynasty 12–Dynasty 13, ca. 1850–1640 B.C.). Hieroglyphs associated with positive ideas such as life and regeneration, namely lotus flowers, the papyrus stem, and the hieroglyph for good and beautiful (nefer), are placed between the scrolls.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1760–1670 B.C.

Medium

Steatite, traces of green glaze

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund and Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1922