Object Description
An Egyptian, steatite scarab decorated to the reverse. The obverse is finely decorated and features a moulded head and clypeus, enriched with incised striations. The prothorax and elytra are divided by single lines, with two ‘V’s descending from the dissecting prothorax line to form the humeral callosities. The reverse features incised hieroglyphs and a prominent oval cartouche. The oval cartouche includes the familiar signs for the prenomen of Thutmose III. To the top is a circular sun disc: ‘re’, followed by the draught board ‘men’ sign and culminating in the scarab ‘kheper’ sign. These signs combine and transliterate as Men-Kheper-Re. To the left of the cartouche the seated figure of Ma’at is depicted within the centre of the scarab, holding an ankh and wearing a distinguishing feathered headdress. Above the seated deity and cartouche is a winged sun disc, filling the remaining space. The amulet is pierced longitudinally for suspension.
Date: Circa 1400-1050 B.C.
Period: New Kingdom, post Thutmose III.