Object Description
A fine Egyptian steatite scarab beetle amulet with incised hieroglyphs to the reverse. The obverse features a defined clypeus and head, with small indentation to mark the humeral callosities. The reverse features various incised hieroglyph, including a central cartouche. Within the oval cartouche are three signs; a ‘re’ sun disk to the top, a ‘mn’ draughtboard sign in the centre and a final scarab ‘kheper’ sign. Together these form the prenomen of the pharaoh Thutmose III and transliterates as Men-Kheper-Re. Flanking each side of the cartouche is a large Ma’at feather. Above the cartouche is a ‘nub’ broad collar hieroglyph, which is translated as ‘gold’. Beneath the cartouche is the commonly seen ‘neb’ basket sign. The scarab is pierced for suspension.
Date: Circa 1479 – 1070 BC
Period: New Kingdom Period