Scarab with Papyrus Motif
Plants are a popular theme on the underside of ancient Egyptian seal-amulets because they refer to life, renewal, and regeneration. They mainly consist of representations of papyrus plants, and lotus flowers and their buds.
This late Middle Kingdom scarab (late Dynasty 12–Dynasty 13, ca. 1850–1640 B.C.) shows two papyrus stems emerging from baskets (neb), each placed at opposite sides of the composition. Parallel lines connect the fanning, flowering end with the stem of the plant.
This late Middle Kingdom scarab (late Dynasty 12–Dynasty 13, ca. 1850–1640 B.C.) shows two papyrus stems emerging from baskets (neb), each placed at opposite sides of the composition. Parallel lines connect the fanning, flowering end with the stem of the plant.
Artwork Details
- Title: Scarab with Papyrus Motif
- Period: Middle Kingdom
- Dynasty: late Dynasty 12–13
- Date: ca. 1850–1640 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt, Memphite Region, Lisht North, Cemetery, debris, MMA excavations, 1920–22
- Medium: Blue faience
- Dimensions: L. 1.5 × W. 1 × H. 0.6 cm (9/16 × 3/8 × 1/4 in.)
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund and Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1922
- Object Number: 22.1.487
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
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