Egyptian Steatite Scarab with Apotropaic Hieroglyphs

Object Description

An ancient Egyptian turquoise-glazed steatite scarab with incised hieroglyphs to the reverse. The moulded obverse is stylised with a simple clypeus and head. The reverse features various inscribed hieroglyphs, with symmetry guiding their formation. The scarab features the signs for the letters ‘a-n-r’. A scroll motif surrounds the two columns of hieroglyphs to the centre. The scarab has been pierced longitudinally for suspension.

Date: Circa 1650-1070 BC
Period: Second Intermediate Period – New Kingdom

Object History

From the Gustave Mustaki collection, a collector of antiquities who amassed large collection in Alexandria (Egypt)

Object Condition

Very fine condition. Clear hieroglyphs to the reverse. Some glaze still remaining.

Object Details