Scarab with Ba bird and nefer
The base of the scarab shows a bird with a long straight beak, a very long neck and tall legs, identified as the jabiru, the bird that symbolizes one of the components of the human soul for the ancient Egyptians. This aspect, or Ba, is unique and lives on after the individual has passed away. The Ba is represented as a bird with human head or as the jabiru bird, ready to fly away and leave the tomb.
The bird stands in front of the hieroglyph for good and beautiful (nefer). This combination of signs may be understood as a wish for the well-being of the Ba.
The bird stands in front of the hieroglyph for good and beautiful (nefer). This combination of signs may be understood as a wish for the well-being of the Ba.
Artwork Details
- Title:Scarab with Ba bird and nefer
- Period:Third Intermediate Period – Late Period
- Dynasty:Dynasty 25–26
- Date:ca. 733–525 B.C.
- Geography:From Egypt
- Medium:Faience
- Dimensions:L. 1.7 × W. 1.2 × H. 0.7 cm (11/16 × 1/2 × 1/4 in.)
- Credit Line:Gift of Darius Ogden Mills, 1904
- Object Number:04.2.327
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
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332–30 BCE
332–30 BCE
332–30 BCE
360–343 BCE
4th century B.C.
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