Scarab with the Representation of a Sphinx

Unknown

ca. 1070–664 B.C. · Steatite · Egyptian Art

A recumbent sphinx – a mythological creature with the body of a lion and the head of a man – faces right, wearing the nemes-headcloth with a small aroused cobra on its front. The sphinx is a royal symbol, referring to the pharaoh. The sign for praise (hes) and the hieroglyph of the palace indicate that the composition may read ‘praise to the lord of the palace’.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1070–664 B.C.

Medium

Steatite

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Gift of Helen Miller Gould, 1910