Scarab Inscribed with 'Wenenefer'

Unknown

ca. 1070–525 B.C. · Faience · Egyptian Art

Three hieroglyphs are inscribed on the base of this scarab, forming together wenen-nefer, which is best translated as ‘to exist (in) perfect (state)’. Wenenefer is subsequently an expression generally associated with the god Osiris, the god of the underworld; it refers to his resurrection and the ability to overcome physical deterioration after death. This scarab either calls upon the divine protection of Osiris, or the inscription forms the personal name Wenenefer or Weneneferu, which was a common name for men from the New Kingdom (ca. 1550-1295 B.C.) onwards.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1070–525 B.C.

Medium

Faience

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Gift of Helen Miller Gould, 1910