Scarab Inscribed with a Blessing Related to Re

Middle Kingdom

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 109

During the late Middle Kingdom (late Dynasty 12–13, ca. 1850–1640 B.C.), numerous scarabs were incised with inscriptions related to the sun god Re. These scarabs are often quite small. The precise meaning of the inscriptions remains unclear: they can be interpreted as forming the name Re, or as a phrase or wish meaning (may) Re give. Such inscriptions summon the sun god’s protection.

These so-called ‘rdi ra’ scarabs continue to be manufactured during the Second Intermediate Period (ca. 1640–1550 B.C.), but show different details on the back and sides.

Scarab Inscribed with a Blessing Related to Re, Blue glazed steatite

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Scarab Inscribed with a Blessing Related to Re, Blue glazed steatite
Scarab Inscribed with a Blessing Related to Re, Blue glazed steatite
Scarab Inscribed with a Blessing Related to Re, Blue glazed steatite
Scarab Inscribed with a Blessing Related to Re, Blue glazed steatite

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