Object Description
An exceptionally large, steatite Egyptian scarab dedicated to Thutmose III and inscribed with hieroglyphs to the reverse. The obverse features a detailed head and clypeus, with inscribed lines sectioning the elytra. Triangular notches indicate the humeral callosities. The reverse features clear and well proportioned hieroglyphs. To the centre is a prominent cartouche, surrounding three hieroglyphs. To the top is a circular sun disc: re, followed by the draught board ‘men’ sign, culminating in the scarab ‘kheper’ sign. These signs combine to form the throne name of Thutmose III; Men-Kheper-re. Underneath the cartouche are three more clear signs. A central ‘kheper’ scarab, flanked by two undulating uraei. The top register features a formulaic composition of signs. To the right is the flagpole sign, ‘ntr’, meaning god. The second sign is the ‘hst’ water vessel, meaning ‘praise’. To the left, is a stylised formula ‘nb tAwy’, translating as ‘Lord of the two lands’. The inclusion of the ‘hst’ vessel is unusual, as the formula usually includes the alternate ‘nfr’ sign, which would translate as ‘praise’. The sign would appear as a trachea and windpipe. The phrase ‘Good god, Lord of the two lands’ was an epithet of Thutmose III.
Date: Circa 1400-700 B.C.
Period: New Kingdom, post Thutmose III reign – Late Period.