Scarab Incised with Hieroglyphs

Middle Kingdom

ca. 1850–1640 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.
The composition on this scarab shows a sign of life (ankh) flanked by Red Crowns and the sign for good and beautiful (nefer). Below are two papyrus stems, crossing each other. This scarab is, however, likely of Canaanite manufacture and inspired by Egyptian Middle Kingdom symmetric designs.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Scarab Incised with Hieroglyphs
Period: Middle Kingdom
Dynasty: late Dynasty 12–13
Date: ca. 1850–1640 B.C.
Geography: From Egypt, Memphite Region, Lisht North, Cemetery, debris, MMA excavations, 1920–22
Medium: Blue glazed steatite
Dimensions: L. 1.8 × W. 1.2 × H. 0.7 cm (11/16 × 1/2 × 1/4 in.)
Credit Line: Rogers Fund and Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1922
Object Number: 22.1.368
Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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