Egyptian Glazed Steatite Wedjat Scaraboid

Object Description

A turquoise-glazed, steatite, Egyptian,scaraboid formed on one side into an Eye of Horus, or wedjat. It features an almond-shaped pupil, with a large, braided eyebrow, which extends horizontally. The cheek marking is rectangular in shape and grooved down the centre. The final linear elongation extends from the corner of the eye diagonally and ends in a curl. The amulet combines elements of both human and falcon ocular imagery. The rich colour of the turquoise glaze can be seen clearly in the recessed corners of the eye. To the reverse is the stylised head of the goddess Hathor, her large cow ears the prominent feature. The amulet is pierced for suspension.

Date: Circa 1550-1070 BC
Period: New Kingdom Period

Object History

Private Swiss collection. Acquired from Bonham’s, Antiquities Auction, Tuesday 3rd October 2000, part of lot 385. No further provenance supplied by Bonham’s. Supplied with a photocopy of the relevant page from the Bonham’s auction catalogue.

Object Condition

Excellent. Vivid glaze. Some minor hairline cracking through the natureal stone.

Object Details