Human-face Scarab with Sphinx and Hieroglyphs
The underside of this scarab shows a recumbent human-headed sphinx, wearing a nemes-headcloth with a uraeus on the front. The sphinx is a popular motif on scarabs, especially during the New Kingdom and the Late Period, and embodies the pharaoh. Here it holds a seated figure of the goddess Maat in his front paws, while a sun disk is placed above, and below the sphinx the sign of endurance (djed) is flanked by two uraei.
On the back, a single line divides the wing cases of the scarab, but a human face with ribbed head band replaces the head and shoulders of the beetle. The earliest examples of human-face scarabs date to the late Middle Kingdom and the Second Intermediate Period (ca. 1850-1550 B.C.) but they are also well attested during the late New Kingdom.
On the back, a single line divides the wing cases of the scarab, but a human face with ribbed head band replaces the head and shoulders of the beetle. The earliest examples of human-face scarabs date to the late Middle Kingdom and the Second Intermediate Period (ca. 1850-1550 B.C.) but they are also well attested during the late New Kingdom.
Artwork Details
- Title: Human-face Scarab with Sphinx and Hieroglyphs
- Period: New Kingdom
- Dynasty: Dynasty 19–20 (Ramesside)
- Date: ca. 1295–1070 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt, Memphite Region, Lisht North, Cemetery, debris, MMA excavations, 1920–22
- Medium: Dark green glazed steatite
- Dimensions: L. 1.7 × W. 1.3 × H. 0.9 cm (11/16 × 1/2 × 3/8 in.)
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund and Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1922
- Object Number: 22.1.360
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
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