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Scarab Inscribed with Blessing Related to Horus

Third Intermediate Period
ca. 1080–664 BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 130
This scarab is delicately cut from a semi-precious stone, probably green jasper. Green stones were often used for the manufacture of amulets: for the ancient Egyptians, the color referred to vegetation and therefore to life and renewal.



The hieroglyphs on the base form a blessing relating to the sun god Horus, who is represented at the top as a falcon holding a flagellum. Given the limited surface on scarab bases, seal carvers were often very creative in using as few hieroglyphs and signs as possible in order to convey their message.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Scarab Inscribed with Blessing Related to Horus
  • Period: Third Intermediate Period
  • Date: ca. 1080–664 BCE
  • Geography: From Egypt
  • Medium: Green jasper
  • Dimensions: L. 1.6 cm (5/8 in.)
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926
  • Object Number: 26.7.413
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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