Scarab Inscribed with 'Wenenefer'
Three hieroglyphs are inscribed on the base of this scarab, forming together wenen-nefer, which is best translated as ‘to exist (in) perfect (state)’. Wenenefer is subsequently an expression generally associated with the god Osiris, the god of the underworld; it refers to his resurrection and the ability to overcome physical deterioration after death. This scarab either calls upon the divine protection of Osiris, or the inscription forms the personal name Wenenefer or Weneneferu, which was a common name for men from the New Kingdom (ca. 1550-1295 B.C.) onwards.
Artwork Details
- Title: Scarab Inscribed with 'Wenenefer'
- Period: Third Intermediate Period or later
- Dynasty: Dynasty 21–26
- Date: ca. 1070–525 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt
- Medium: Faience
- Dimensions: L. 1.4 × W. 1.1 cm (9/16 × 7/16 in.)
- Credit Line: Gift of Helen Miller Gould, 1910
- Object Number: 10.130.663
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
4th century B.C.
ca. 1200–1194 B.C.
ca. 1390–1295 B.C.
A.D. 1st–2nd century
ca. 1479–1070 B.C.
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please contact us using the form below. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.