Scarab Inscribed with Hieroglyphs

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.
Some of most frequently found hieroglyphs are the signs for life (ankh) and protection (sa), seen here on this scarab accompanied by a royal symbol, the bee.

Scarab Inscribed with Hieroglyphs, Bright blue glazed steatite

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

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