Scarab Inscribed 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.
This scarab shows pairs of wedjat-eyes and the foreparts of a lion, signs that are frequently used to form symmetric compositions. The other signs and symbols, such as the papyrus, the crowned uraei (aroused cobra’s) and the hieroglyph for good and beautiful (nefer) reinforce the positive message of the design.

Scarab Inscribed with Hieroglyphs, Dark blue glazed faience

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Scarab Inscribed with Hieroglyphs, Dark blue glazed faience
Scarab Inscribed with Hieroglyphs, Dark blue glazed faience
Scarab Inscribed with Hieroglyphs, Dark blue glazed faience
Scarab Inscribed with Hieroglyphs, Dark blue glazed faience

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