Scarab with Papyrus Plants and Signs

Middle Kingdom

ca. 1740–1640 B.C.

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 109

During the late Middle Kingdom (late Dynasty 12–mid Dynasty 13, ca. 1850–1640 B.C), decorations on scarabs often show symmetric designs and combinations of signs and symbols that are nicely composed.

This is also the case for floral and plant decorations, which consist of representations of papyrus plants, and lotus flowers and their buds. Plants are a popular theme on the underside of seal-amulets because they refer to life, renewal, and regeneration.

This scarab shows details in the carvings on its back and sides that are characteristic for a type of scarab dating to mid to late Dynasty 13 (ca. 1740–1640 B.C.) and probably carved at a scarab workshop active in Avaris (present-day Tell el-Dab’a).

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Scarab with Papyrus Plants and Signs
Period: Middle Kingdom
Dynasty: mid to late Dynasty 13
Date: ca. 1740–1640 B.C.
Geography: From Egypt, Memphite Region, Lisht North, Cemetery, debris, MMA excavations
Medium: Green glazed steatite
Dimensions: L. 1.1 × W. 0.7 × H. 0.5 cm (7/16 × 1/4 × 3/16 in.)
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1909
Object Number: 09.180.1078
Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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