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Scarab with Baboons of Thoth Adoring Amun

New Kingdom
ca. 1300–1080 BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 130
The scarab is carved with a scene invoking solar symbolism, showing a pair of baboons on either side of an obelisk. The obelisk stands for the sun god, who is present also in the form of a solar barque at the top of the design. Additional sun disks are placed on either side of the obelisk. The baboons represent the god Thoth, as indicated by the lunar disks resting in crescents –symbolizing the moon’s phases– above their heads.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Scarab with Baboons of Thoth Adoring Amun
  • Period: New Kingdom
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 19–20
  • Date: ca. 1300–1080 BCE
  • Geography: From Egypt
  • Medium: Glazed steatite
  • Dimensions: L. 1.8 × W. 1.5 × H. 0.8 cm (11/16 × 9/16 in., 0.8 cm)
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926
  • Object Number: 26.7.470
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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