Scarab Inscribed with Hieroglyphs and Symbols

Middle Kingdom

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 109

The majority of design scarabs of the late Middle Kingdom (late Dynasty 12–Dynasty 13, ca. 1850 –1640 B.C.) are decorated with symmetric compositions of hieroglyphs and/or scrolls. These signs are not meant to form words but are chosen for their positive, protective meaning.

The center of the design shows the sema-tawy, the symbol of the unification of Egypt. It is flanked by crowned uraei and surrounded by pairs of vultures, papyrus plants, and hieroglyphs.

Scarab Inscribed with Hieroglyphs and Symbols, Bright blue glazed steatite

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Scarab Inscribed with Hieroglyphs and Symbols, Bright blue glazed steatite
Scarab Inscribed with Hieroglyphs and Symbols, Bright blue glazed steatite
Scarab Inscribed with Hieroglyphs and Symbols, Bright blue glazed steatite
Scarab Inscribed with Hieroglyphs and Symbols, Bright blue glazed steatite

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