Scarab with blessing related to Amun(-Re)
Scarabs bearing wishes and blessings related to divinities whose protection individuals wished to summon are particular popular during the (late) New Kingdom and the Third Intermediate Period (ca. 1295-664 B.C.). Given the limited surface on scarab bases, seal engravers were often very creative in using as few hieroglyphs and signs as possible in order to convey their message.
This scarab calls for the protection of the sun god Amun or Amun-Re, referred to by the image of the solar barque in the center of the composition. The hetep-hieroglyph at the top means happiness, to be at peace, to be pleased. Three papyrus stems with a serpent crawling between them form the Egyptian word for success and happiness. The inscription thus expresses a wish for happiness when the sun god is pleased.
This scarab calls for the protection of the sun god Amun or Amun-Re, referred to by the image of the solar barque in the center of the composition. The hetep-hieroglyph at the top means happiness, to be at peace, to be pleased. Three papyrus stems with a serpent crawling between them form the Egyptian word for success and happiness. The inscription thus expresses a wish for happiness when the sun god is pleased.
Artwork Details
- Title: Scarab with blessing related to Amun(-Re)
- Period: Third Intermediate Period or later
- Dynasty: Dynasty 21–26
- Date: ca. 1070–525 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt
- Medium: Glazed steatite
- Dimensions: L. 2.2 × W. 1.6 × H. 0.9 cm (7/8 × 5/8 × 3/8 in.)
- Credit Line: Gift of Helen Miller Gould, 1910
- Object Number: 10.130.579
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
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