Object Description
An incredibly rare ancient Egyptian, steatite, glazed scarab from the 14th Dynasty, from Egypt’s turbulent Second Intermediate Period. The moulded obverse is stylised with a simple clypeus and head. Incised lines dissect the prothorax and elytra, with slight indentations at the sides marking the humeral callosities. The sides of the amulet are ridged, indicated the legs and feet of the insect. The reverse features various inscribed hieroglyphs. To the top is a stylised bird, which can be described as a vulture. Next to this is the sedge plant hieroglyph. Together these two signs transliterate as ‘mwt-nsw’ and translate as ‘king’s mother’. The other three signs indicate a name; Atti.
The scarab has been pierced longitudinally for suspension.
Date: Circa 1805 -1649 BC
Period: Circa 14th Dynasty, Second Intermediate Period