Object Description
An ancient Egyptian, steatite scarab with a turquoise glaze, with hieroglyphs to the reverse. The obverse features beautifully moulded anatomical features. The scarab has a knotched clypeus, detailed head with eyes, smooth folded legs, and elytra detailed by a single line. The reverse is inscribed with five clear hieroglyphs, formulating a dedication to the god Amun. To the left is a large feather, which is translated as ‘i/a’. To the right are two more signs; the familiar checkerboard / senet board sign, which transliterates as ‘mn’. Together these two signs form the name of the god Amun. Beneath the senet board is a stylised ‘tit’ sign, described as the markings seen on the wedjat or Eye of Horus. This hieroglyph translates as ‘image’. Thus, all together the hieroglyphs thereby read, ‘Image of Amun’. The scarab is pierced for suspension.
Date: Circa 664-332 BC
Period: Late Period