Egyptian Steatite Scarab for the Official Senebsumai

Object Description

A steatite Egyptian scarab with incised features and hieroglyphs to the reverse. The obverse features a clypeus, prothorax and elytra marked by single lines. The scarab has been decorated extensively to the reverse with inscribed hieroglyphs to form an official formula belonging to the royal Treasurer, Senebsumai.

The hieroglyphs transliterate as: ‘xtm.tj bj.tj smr wa.tj jmj-r xtm.t snb-sw-mj’

This translates as: ‘The royal sealer, the unique associate, keeper of the seal, Senebsumai’

Date: Circa 1760–1670 BC
Period: Middle Kingdom, Dynasty 13

Object History

Ex private collection Mr MT. Previously Ancient & Oriental, acquired 2021. Previously Ex AH private collection, in English family collections acquired from the 1920s – 1990s.

Object Condition

Very fine condition. Some slight erosion to the rim and suspension holes.

Object Details