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Scarab ring of Sithathoryunet

Middle Kingdom
ca. 1887–1813 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 111
This superb example of an early ring was formed from gold and the beetle’s wing cases, thorax and head were inlaid with semi-precious stones. In the Middle Kingdom (ca. 2030-1650 B.C.), scarab beetles were the preferred design for a ring bezel as the scarab, a symbol of the sun gold Re, emerged as a popular amulet type. Thin gold wire was used to create a ring’s shank and was attached to the bezel in different ways, although most involved wrapping the ends of the wire neatly around the shank in a tight coil as can be seen here. The underside of this ring’s bezel is uninscribed.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Scarab ring of Sithathoryunet
  • Period: Middle Kingdom
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 12
  • Reign: reign of Senwosret II–Amenemhat III
  • Date: ca. 1887–1813 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt, Fayum Entrance Area, Lahun, Tomb of Sithathoryunet (BSA Tomb 8), Chamber E, box 1, BSAE excavations 1914
  • Medium: Gold, carnelian, lapis lazuli, and turquoise, bedding material
  • Dimensions: l. 1.7 cm (11/16 in); w. 1 cm (3/8 in)
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Rogers Fund and Henry Walters Gift, 1916
  • Object Number: 16.1.24
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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Pectoral and Necklace of Sithathoryunet with the Name of Senwosret II, Gold, carnelian, lapis lazuli, turquoise, garnet (pectoral)<br/>Gold, carnelian, lapis lazuli, turquoise, green feldspar (necklace)
Pectoral and Necklace of Sithathoryunet with the Name of Senwosret II
ca. 1887–1878 B.C.
Objects from Theban Tomb MMA 840, Electrum, carnelian, amethyst, lapis lazuli, turquoise
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Menat necklace from Malqata, Faience, bronze or copper alloy, glass, agate, carnelian, lapis lazuli, turquoise
Menat necklace from Malqata
ca. 1390–1352 B.C.
Flail of Hapiankhtifi, Wood, gold leaf, carnelian, faience
Flail of Hapiankhtifi
ca. 1981–1802 B.C.
Cuff Bracelets Decorated with Cats, Gold, carnelian, lapis-lazuli, turquoise glass
Cuff Bracelets Decorated with Cats
ca. 1479–1425 B.C.

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