Scarab with Geometric Decoration

First Intermediate Period

ca. 2100–2030 B.C.

Not on view

During the Old Kingdom, seal-amulets could be shaped as an animal placed on a round or oval base, the underside of which was decorated with geometric motifs or figurative representations. Some were scarab-shaped. However, the well-known scarab amulet only developed into its traditional form later, during the First Intermediate Period (Dynasty 9–early Dynasty 11, ca. 2100–2030 B.C.). The wings and head of the beetle are rendered in a stylized manner and carvers begin representing legs along the sides. This scarab shows a decorative geometric pattern on its underside. Such linear decorations were very popular on these earliest types of scarabs.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Scarab with Geometric Decoration
Period: First Intermediate Period
Dynasty: Dynasty 9–early Dynasty 11
Date: ca. 2100–2030 B.C.
Geography: From Egypt, Memphite Region, Lisht North, Cemetery, MMA excavations
Medium: Steatite
Dimensions: L. 1.5 × W. 0.8 × H. 0.5 cm (9/16 × 5/16 × 3/16 in.)
Credit Line: Rogers Fund and Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1920
Object Number: 20.1.137
Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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