Scarab Inscribed with Hieroglyphs in a Scroll Border

Unknown

ca. 1802–1640 B.C. · Obsidian · Egyptian Art

The majority of design scarabs of the late Middle Kingdom (late Dynasty 12–Dynasty 13, ca. 1850 –1640 B.C.) are decorated with symmetric compositions of protective hieroglyphs and/or scrolls. These signs are not meant to form words but are chosen for their positive, protective meaning. This scarab shows the sign for good and beautiful (nefer), the sign of life (ankh) and the basket (nb), surrounded by a decorative border of scrolls. Middle Kingdom scroll borders enclose one or more hieroglyphs, usually including the nefer-sign.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1802–1640 B.C.

Medium

Obsidian

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund and Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1922