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Scarab with Monkey on Gold Hieroglyph

Third Intermediate Period or later
ca. 1080–664 BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 130
On this scarab, a monkey walks on all four legs above the hieroglyph for gold. To the right is the sign for life, ankh. In ancient Egyptian, the motif of the monkey could be used to convey the sound nefer, which means good or beautiful. The combination of signs and motifs on the base of this scarab may thus express a wish to secure good conditions in life.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Scarab with Monkey on Gold Hieroglyph
  • Period: Third Intermediate Period or later
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 21–25
  • Date: ca. 1080–664 BCE
  • Geography: From Egypt
  • Medium: Faience
  • Dimensions: L. 1.4 cm (9/16 in.)
  • Credit Line: Gift of Joseph W. Drexel, 1889
  • Object Number: 89.2.476
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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