Scarab with blessing related to Amun
Scarabs bearing wishes and blessings related to divinities whose protection individuals wished to summon are particular popular during the (late) New Kingdom and the Third Intermediate Period (ca. 1295-664 B.C.). Given the limited surface on scarab bases, seal engravers were often very creative in using as few hieroglyphs and signs as possible in order to convey their message.
This scarab calls for the protection of the sun god Amun, alluded to here by the obelisk. The hieroglyphs next to it form the ancient Egyptian name of Thebes, Wast, where his main cult center was located. The entire inscription bestows a blessing upon the owner of the seal-amulet, saying that he will be granted a favor of Amun when he is in Thebes
This scarab calls for the protection of the sun god Amun, alluded to here by the obelisk. The hieroglyphs next to it form the ancient Egyptian name of Thebes, Wast, where his main cult center was located. The entire inscription bestows a blessing upon the owner of the seal-amulet, saying that he will be granted a favor of Amun when he is in Thebes
Artwork Details
- Title: Scarab with blessing related to Amun
- Period: Third Intermediate Period
- Dynasty: Dynasty 21–25
- Date: ca. 1070–664 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt
- Medium: Glazed steatite
- Dimensions: L. 1.8 × W. 1.3 cm (11/16 × 1/2 in.)
- Credit Line: Gift of Helen Miller Gould, 1910
- Object Number: 10.130.618
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
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ca. 1479–1458 B.C.
ca. 1070–664 B.C.
ca. 1070–664 B.C.
ca. 1295–1070 B.C.
ca. 1070–664 B.C.
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