Scarab with kneeling Nile god before obelisk
The underside of the scarab shows the Nile god Hapy, identified by his headdress of papyrus stalks. He is the personification of the annual inundation and therefore also one of the ancient Egyptian fertility gods. He sits on his knees, offering a hes-vase, the hieroglyph of praise, while he faces an obelisk. The obelisk is one of the symbols of the sun god and can thus stand for Amun.
Within the monument, however, one can also discern small hieroglyphs forming the throne name of pharaoh Thutmose III, Menkheperre (Dynasty 18, ca. 1479-1425 B.C.). He was venerated after his death and the name of this great ruler continues to appear on stamp seals long after his reign, even into the Late Period (ca. 664-525 B.C.).
Within the monument, however, one can also discern small hieroglyphs forming the throne name of pharaoh Thutmose III, Menkheperre (Dynasty 18, ca. 1479-1425 B.C.). He was venerated after his death and the name of this great ruler continues to appear on stamp seals long after his reign, even into the Late Period (ca. 664-525 B.C.).
Artwork Details
- Title: Scarab with kneeling Nile god before obelisk
- Period: New Kingdom or early Third Intermediate Period
- Dynasty: Dynasty 19–21
- Date: ca. 1295–1070 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt
- Medium: Steatite
- Dimensions: L. 1.7 × W. 1.3 × H. 0.6 cm (11/16 × 1/2 in., 0.6 cm)
- Credit Line: Gift of Helen Miller Gould, 1910
- Object Number: 10.130.581
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
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ca. 1479–1458 B.C.
ca. 1390–1352 B.C.
ca. 1750–1550 B.C.
ca. 1479–1425 B.C.
ca. 1070–712 BCE
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