Ancient Egyptian Steatite Scarab with Hunting Scene

Object Description

A large, steatite, Egyptian stylised scarab with an inscribed scene to the reverse. The obverse is anatomically simplified, with attention paid to the head and clypeus only. The reverse features a large figure to the left. He holds a spear, raised in motion. He wears a short kilt skirt and a rounded crown. He can therefore be identified as a pharaoh wearing the blue crown of Egypt, known as a Khepresh. The pharoah grasps a spear that he directs at a smaller figure, most likely an enemy captive or hunted animal.

Date: Circa 1650-1070 BC
Period: Second Intermediate Period – New Kingdom

Object History

Ex private UK collection, Cambridge, Mr. S. collection. Previously ex P. Chapman, purchased 1994, J. Cummings.

Object Condition

Fine condition. Clear hieroglyphs to the reverse. Chip to the obverse and some wear to the top and sides. Hunting scene remains largely intact.

Object Details