Scarab with Geometric Decoration

Unknown

ca. 2100–2030 B.C. · Steatite · Egyptian Art

During the Old Kingdom, seal-amulets could be shaped as an animal placed on a round or oval base, the underside of which was decorated with geometric motifs or figurative representations. Some were scarab-shaped. However, the well-known scarab amulet only developed into its traditional form later, during the First Intermediate Period (Dynasty 9–early Dynasty 11, ca. 2100–2030 B.C.). The wings and head of the beetle are rendered in a stylized manner and carvers begin representing legs along the sides. This scarab shows a decorative geometric pattern on its underside. Such linear decorations were very popular on these earliest types of scarabs.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 2100–2030 B.C.

Medium

Steatite

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund and Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1920