Scarab with Coil Design
Middle Kingdom
Not on view
Designs with twirling continuous lines and coils, sometimes forming complicated woven patterns, appear on scarabs in the early Middle Kingdom and become particularly popular from the later part of Dynasty 12 onward, during the late Middle Kingdom (late Dynasty 12–Dynasty 13, ca. 1850–1640 B.C.). In some cases they are accompanied by hieroglyphs with protective meaning.
Soon afterwards, these often complex linear designs were imitated on Canaanite scarabs of the Middle Bronze Age (contemporary with the Second Intermediate Period in Egypt, ca. 1640-1550 B.C.). This scarab shows morphologic details that are characteristic for the late Middle Kingdom.
Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.
