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Ring with Uninscribed Scarab

Middle Kingdom
ca. 1850–1640 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 109
Gold wires are drawn through the perforation hole of a turquoise scarab, and wound about at each end of a gold ring. Swivel rings usually hold seals that could be rotated in the right direction in order to impress clay used to seal an object, much like sealing wax. Though uninscribed and thus never used as sealing device, this small turquoise scarab is set in such a finger ring; it was worn as a protective amulet or a piece of jewelry.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Ring with Uninscribed Scarab
  • Period: Middle Kingdom
  • Dynasty: late Dynasty 12-13
  • Date: ca. 1850–1640 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt, Memphite Region, Lisht North, cemetery south of pyramid between Houses A2:2 & A2:1, Pit 478, MMA excavations, 1913–14
  • Medium: Turquoise
  • Dimensions: Scarab: L. 0.8 × W. 0.6 × H. 0.4 cm (5/16 × 1/4 × 3/16 in.); Ring: Diam. 2.1 cm (13/16 in.)
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1915
  • Object Number: 15.3.205
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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