Ancient Egyptian Green Steatite Scarab with Horus and Sekhmet

Object Description

A finely engraved Egyptian light green steatite scarab amulet with detailed incised features such as the clypeus, head and folded legs on the sides. The prothorax and elytra are mostly smooth in texture. The reverse features a depiction of the god Horus, facing right and depicted as a falcon-headed man, seated on a throne. He holds a was sceptre in his left hand. To the right of the scarab is a standing female figure, most likely the lion-headed goddess Sekhmet. She holds in her right hand a papyrus staff. To the top of the scarab are a sedge plant, symbol of the Nile valley (Upper Egypt) and a bee, symbol of the Nile delta (Lower Egypt). These two hieroglyphs represent the royal title King of Upper and Lower Egypt. Beneath the figures is a large ‘neb’ basket. The scarab has been pierced longitudinally for suspension.

Date: Circa 664-332 BC
Period: Late Period

Object History

From the Gustave Mustaki collection, a collector of antiquities who amassed a large collection of in Alexandria (Egypt).

Object Condition

Very fine condition. The hieroglyphs are clear. Some chipping to the edges of the reverse that doesn’t affect the image. A mark to the obverse (possibly ink).

Object Details