Scarab Inscribed with Hieroglyphs

Middle Kingdom

ca. 1760–1670 B.C.

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 109

The majority of design scarabs of the late Middle Kingdom (late Dynasty 12–Dynasty 13, ca. 1850–1640 B.C.) are decorated with symmetric compositions of hieroglyphs and/or scrolls. These signs are not meant to form words but are chosen for their positive, protective meaning.
This scarab shows pairs of Red Crowns and bees, signs that are frequently used to form symmetric compositions. The other signs and symbols, such as the papyrus, the falcon, and the hieroglyphs for durability (djed) and beauty (nefer) reinforce the positive message of the design

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Scarab Inscribed with Hieroglyphs
Period: Middle Kingdom
Dynasty: mid Dynasty 13
Date: ca. 1760–1670 B.C.
Geography: From Egypt, Memphite Region, Lisht North, Cemetery, debris, MMA excavations, 1920–22
Medium: Brigth blue glazed steatite
Dimensions: L. 1.7 × W. 1.2 × H. 0.8 cm (11/16 × 1/2 × 5/16 in.)
Credit Line: Rogers Fund and Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1922
Object Number: 22.1.366
Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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