Scarab Incised with Hieroglyphs
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.
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
- 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
More Artwork
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.