Scarab Incised with Hieroglyphs

Middle Kingdom

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.

Scarab Incised with Hieroglyphs, Blue glazed steatite

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.

Scarab Incised with Hieroglyphs, Blue glazed steatite
Scarab Incised with Hieroglyphs, Blue glazed steatite
Scarab Incised with Hieroglyphs, Blue glazed steatite
Scarab Incised with Hieroglyphs, Blue glazed steatite

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.