Strand of Scarab and Scaraboid Beads
Almost 400 scarabs, most now strung on a strand about 13 1/2 feet long (more than 4 meters), were lying loose on the floor of a coffin inscribed with the name and title of the scribe Amenemhat. Only thirteen of the scarabs were inscribed and these are now strung separately. They had probably been inside a disintegrated basket found near the head of Amenemhat's mummy.
Amenemhat was buried in a family tomb established by his father, Neferkhawet. The damp conditions inside the tomb, which was dug into the desert floor near the edge of the cultivated land, had caused the basket and other organic material to disintegrate.
Amenemhat was buried in a family tomb established by his father, Neferkhawet. The damp conditions inside the tomb, which was dug into the desert floor near the edge of the cultivated land, had caused the basket and other organic material to disintegrate.
Artwork Details
- Title: Strand of Scarab and Scaraboid Beads
- Period: New Kingdom
- Dynasty: Dynasty 18, early
- Reign: reign of Thutmose I–early sole Thutmose III
- Date: ca. 1504–1447 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt, Upper Egypt, Thebes, Asasif, Tomb of Neferkhawet (MMA 729), east chamber, Burial of Amenemhat (V), inside coffin, basket, MMA excavations
- Medium: Faience
- Dimensions: L. of strand 410 cm (161 7/16 in.). Large scarabs: L. 1.3 cm (1/2 in.); W. 0.9 cm (3/8 in.); H. 0.4 cm (3/16 in.). Small scarabs: L. 0.9 cm (3/8 in.); W. 0.7 cm ( 1/4 in.); H. 0.4 cm (3/16 in.)
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1935
- Object Number: 35.3.26a
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
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