Scarab with kneeling Nile god before obelisk

New Kingdom or early Third Intermediate Period

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 130

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.).

Scarab with kneeling Nile god before obelisk, Steatite

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Scarab with kneeling Nile god before obelisk, Steatite
Scarab with kneeling Nile god before obelisk, Steatite
Scarab with kneeling Nile god before obelisk, Steatite
Scarab with kneeling Nile god before obelisk, Steatite

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