Scarab Inscribed for the God's Wife Hatshepsut

New Kingdom
ca. 1479–1458 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 116
The inscription on the base of this scarab reads: God's Wife, Hatshepsut. In the late Seventeenth early Eighteenth Dynasties, the title God's Wife was held by the principal queen or the queen mother. Hatshepsut inherited the title while she served as principal queen of her half-brother, Thutmose II. Later, shortly after she took on the titles of king, Hatshepsut passed the title on to her daughter, Neferure (see scarab 27.3.325).

Slight variations of the same inscription may be found on two other scarabs (27.3.186, 27.3.187) and a cowroid seal amulet (27.3.191). Although the hieroglyphs are not in exactly the same configuration, they have been carved in a similar fashion. For example, the seated figure leans back and both of her arms are indicated. For different versions of the same inscription, see 27.3.174-27.3.184, 27.3.188-27.3.190.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Scarab Inscribed for the God's Wife Hatshepsut
  • Period: New Kingdom
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 18, early
  • Reign: Joint reign of Hatshepsut and Thutmose III
  • Date: ca. 1479–1458 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt, Upper Egypt, Thebes, Deir el-Bahri, Temple of Hatshepsut, Foundation Deposit 7 (G), MMA excavations, 1926–27
  • Medium: Steatite (glazed)
  • Dimensions: L. 1.7 cm (11/16 in.); W. 1.2 cm (1/2 in.); H. 0.7 cm (1/4 in.)
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1927
  • Object Number: 27.3.185
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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