Object Description
An exceptionally large, Egyptian, steatite scarab with decoration to the reverse. The obverse is finely decorated and features a moulded head and clypeus. The prothorax and elytra are formed from inscribed linear lines. Two ‘V’s descend from the dissecting prothorax line to form the humeral callosities. The reverse features clearly defined hieroglyphs, divided into two registers. These signs are apotropaic, used for their powerful symbolism. A large ‘kheper’ beetle can be seen at the top, situated above an elongated ‘neb’ basket hieroglyph. Beneath is a large ‘ankh’ sign, flanked by a feather of Ma’at on either side.
Date: Circa 1550 – 1070 BC
Period: New Kingdom Period