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Scarab

New Kingdom
ca. 1550–1479 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 114
This scarab was found in the same coffin as the statuettes of Amenemhab (26.7.1413a, b) and Huwebenef (26.7.1414a, b). An interesting mixture of designs indicates the lively individuality of artworks made during this transitional period. The back type, which has no indication of the beetle's wing cases, is typical of Second Intermediate Period scarabs found in the Nile Delta, and the rope pattern framing the design on the base had been used since the Middle Kingdom; both of these designs continued into early Dynasty 18. The winged scarab on the base is a new feature that becomes more common during the reigns of Hatshepsut and Thutmose III. The notches on the beetle's carefully delineated wing cases are found regularly on the backs of scarabs dating to their joint reign.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Scarab
  • Period: New Kingdom
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 18, early
  • Reign: reign of Ahmose I–Thutmose II
  • Date: ca. 1550–1479 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt, Upper Egypt, Thebes, Asasif, Tomb CC 37, Hall (C), burial 24, Carnarvon/Carter excavations, 1911
  • Medium: Egyptian blue, gold
  • Dimensions: L. 2.5 cm (1 in); w. 1.7 cm (11/16 in); h. 1 cm (3/8 in)
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926
  • Object Number: 26.7.575
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
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Statuette of Huwebenef, Wood
Statuette of Huwebenef
ca. 1550–1479 B.C.
Statuette of the Child Amenemhab, Bronze, separate silver lotus, wood base with pigmented inlays
Statuette of the Child Amenemhab
ca. 1550–1479 B.C.
Heart Scarab of Hatnefer, Serpentinite, gold
Heart Scarab of Hatnefer
ca. 1492–1473 B.C.
Shabti of Yuya, Cedar, gold, paint
Shabti of Yuya
ca. 1390–1352 B.C.
Scarab Inscribed "Hatshepsut, United with Amun", Steatite (glazed)
Scarab Inscribed "Hatshepsut, United with Amun"
ca. 1479–1458 B.C.

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