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 Gerhard Hirsch Nachfolger Auction, Munich, auction 367, lot 2088.

Object Condition

Very fine condition. An unusually rare scarab. Hairline crack to the reverse and Some slight erosion to the rim and suspension hole.

Object Details