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

Object Information
  • 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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