Scarab with Protective Sign

Unknown

ca. 1640–1500 B.C. (Middle Bronze Age IIB-IIC) · Green glazed steatite · Egyptian Art

Many Middle Kingdom and Second Intermediate Period scarabs show a hieroglyph in the shape of a long and narrow loop. It is a stylized version of the sign for protection (sa) and is often mistaken for another hieroglyph, the loop or ring (shen) that is used to form words that refer to encircling, enclosing. The protective loop, whether represented once or multiple times, with or without other positive signs and symbols, thus bestows protection upon the owner of the amulet.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1640–1500 B.C. (Middle Bronze Age IIB-IIC)

Medium

Green glazed steatite

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund and Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1920