Scarab Incised with Hieroglyphs and Geometric Motif

Middle Kingdom

ca. 1802–1640 B.C.

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 109

Some Middle Kingdom scarabs show a decorative oval motif, often accompanied by hieroglyphs. On this late Middle Kingdom scarab from Lisht, the hieroglyph for good and beautiful (nefer) is placed on either side of it. The meaning of the oval motif remains unclear, but the signs and symbols with which it is associated on seal-amulets have a positive and protective nature.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Scarab Incised with Hieroglyphs and Geometric Motif
Period: Middle Kingdom
Dynasty: Dynasty 13
Date: ca. 1802–1640 B.C.
Geography: From Egypt, Memphite Region, Lisht North, Cemetery, MMA excavations
Medium: Blue faience
Dimensions: L. 1.6 × W. 1.2 × H. 0.9 cm (5/8 × 1/2 × 3/8 in.)
Credit Line: Rogers Fund and Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1920
Object Number: 20.1.119
Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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