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Scarab Finger Ring

New Kingdom
ca. 1479–1425 BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 118
This scarab ring was discovered in a tomb at the site of Abydos, about 100 miles down the Nile (north) from ancient Thebes (modern Luxor). The base of the scarab is inscribed with the throne name of Thutmose III, Menkheperre, flanked by two rearing cobras, the traditional protectors of the king.

The ring was found with an ebony burnishing tool that would have been used by a scribe to polish the surface of a sheet of papyrus. This burnisher was inscribed with a text naming the scribe Merymaat.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Scarab Finger Ring
  • Period: New Kingdom
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 18
  • Reign: reign of Thutmose III
  • Date: ca. 1479–1425 BCE
  • Geography: From Egypt, Northern Upper Egypt, Abydos, Cemetery D, Tomb D99, Egypt Exploration Fund excavations
  • Medium: Faience, silver
  • Dimensions: Diam. of ring 2.2 cm (7/8 in.); l. of scarab 1 cm (3/8 in.)
  • Credit Line: Gift of Egypt Exploration Fund, 1901
  • Object Number: 01.4.5
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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