Strand of Inscribed Scarabs
Thirteen of the nearly 400 scarabs found loose inside the coffin of Amenemhat were inscribed with a combination of hieroglyphs and geometric patterns. All had probably originally been inside a small basket that had been placed near the left side mummy's head. Amenemhat had been 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 Inscribed Scarabs
- 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: Length of strand 13 cm (5 1/8 in.)
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1935
- Object Number: 35.3.27
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
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