Scarab Decorated with the Symbol of Unification

Middle Kingdom

ca. 1850–1640 B.C.

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 109

A popular motif on Middle Kingdom scarabs is the sema-tawy, the symbol of the unification of Egypt. The motif consists of a windpipe entwined with lotus and papyrus plants, floral symbols that respectively represent Upper and Lower Egypt. While many early Middle Kingdom scarabs (late Dynasty 11–early Dynasty 12, ca. 2030-1850 B.C.) show the sema-tawy alone, the compositions of the late Middle Kingdom (late Dynasty 12–mid Dynasty 13) often display two sema-tawy motifs in symmetric opposition or combine it with other motifs such as spirals or hieroglyphs. The motif does not disappear after the Middle Kingdom but continues to appear on Egyptian and Canaanite scarabs during the Second Intermediate Period (Dynasty 14–17, ca. 1640–1550 B.C.) when, ironically enough, the kingdom was no longer unified. The accompanying motifs or the details in the shape of the scarab allow dating these scarabs more precisely.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Scarab Decorated with the Symbol of Unification
Period: Middle Kingdom
Dynasty: Late Dynasty 12–13
Date: ca. 1850–1640 B.C.
Geography: From Egypt, Memphite Region, Lisht North, Cemetery, MMA excavations
Medium: Steatite
Dimensions: L. 1.8 × W. 1.2 × H. 0.9 cm (11/16 × 1/2 × 3/8 in.)
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1909
Object Number: 09.180.1220
Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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