Scarab with ichneumon (mongoose)

Unknown

ca. 733–664 B.C. · Steatite · Egyptian Art

The ichneumon or Egyptian mongoose does not often figure on the underside of seal-amulets. However, in the Third Intermediate Period (ca. 1070-664 B.C.), the ichneumon appears in combination with a sun disk and an ostrich feather, or with the pillar that is the symbol of the city of Iwnw, better known by its Greek name, Heliopolis. The ichneumon was indeed considered by the ancient Egyptians to be the animal of the sun god Atum, the creator god whose main cult center was at Heliopolis.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 733–664 B.C.

Medium

Steatite

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926