Scarab Inscribed with a Blessing Related to Amun (Amun-Re)
Scarabs bearing wishes and blessings related to divinities whose protection individuals wished to summon are particular popular during the late New Kingdom and the Third Intermediate Period (ca. 1295-664 B.C.). Given the limited surface on scarab bases, seal carvers were often very creative in using as few hieroglyphs and signs as possible in order to convey their message.
A blessing related to the city of Thebes and the sun god Amun is inscribed on the underside of this scarab. Its owner thus calls upon the protection of the sun god by expressing the wish that his city, Thebes, will be long-lasting. The sun god is referred to by the image of the solar barque, while the feathered was-scepter is a symbol of Thebes, where his main cult center was located.
A blessing related to the city of Thebes and the sun god Amun is inscribed on the underside of this scarab. Its owner thus calls upon the protection of the sun god by expressing the wish that his city, Thebes, will be long-lasting. The sun god is referred to by the image of the solar barque, while the feathered was-scepter is a symbol of Thebes, where his main cult center was located.
Artwork Details
- Title: Scarab Inscribed with a Blessing Related to Amun (Amun-Re)
- Period: Third Intermediate Period
- Date: ca. 1070–664 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt
- Medium: Glazed steatite
- Dimensions: L. 1.6 × W. 1.1 cm (5/8 × 7/16 in.)
- Credit Line: Gift of Helen Miller Gould, 1910
- Object Number: 10.130.536
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
ca. 1479–1458 B.C.
ca. 1525–1504 B.C.
ca. 1492–1473 B.C.
ca. 1492–1473 B.C.
ca. 1492–1473 B.C.
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.