Egyptian Silver Swivel-Ring with Steatite Scarab Inscribed with a Blessing Relating to Thebes

Object Description

A fine Ancient Egyptian silver swivel-ring decorated with a steatite scarab. The thick silver ring band is elliptical in shape and is decorated with three evenly spaced protrusions. The longitudinally pierced steatite scarab acts as a rotating bezel. The amulet itself is very finely carved, with outlined head, eyes, clypeus, prothorax and elytra to the obverse and deeply incised folded legs to the sides. The flat reverse is inscribed with a series of hieroglyphs, transliterated they read nsw wꜣst msꜣ. Although the exact translation of the inscription is unclear, wꜣst was the Ancient Egyptian name for Thebes and sꜣ translates to protect or protector. Therefore, the scarab might have been asking for protection for the city or a specific person when they travelled through or did business in Thebes.

Ring size F 1/2

Date: Circa 1550 – 664 BC
Period: New Kingdom – Third Intermediate Period

Object History

Ex Mustaki Collection, early 20th century, UK.

Object Condition

Very fine condition. The scarab is highly detailed and the hieroglyphs are clear. A chip is visible to the bottom of the base of the scarab. Some discolouration to the steatite. Evidence of glaze is visible. The ring band is intact but fragile. The metal is flaking in places and there are stable cracks visible where the band bends towards the scarab.

Object Details