Object Description
A fine Ancient Phoenician-Egyptian bronze scaraboid amulet featuring intricate detailing. The rounded obverse is now smooth and unadorned, with beautiful patination covering the surface. The flat reverse is enriched with a series of hieroglyphs, the top and bottom panels are inscribed with a standing figure, each flanked by two ankh symbols. The ankh is one of the most recognisable symbols from Ancient Egypt, and when written as a hieroglyph, it was translated as “life”. Depicted as a cross with a large loop, it was often held by various gods and goddesses in funereal iconography to represent their revivifying powers and presence at the gateway to the afterlife. In the central panel is there is the torso of a figure with their arms at their waist, possibly holding a sceptre. On either side of the figure there are two winged animals shown in profile, possibly a sphinx or winged lion. Some wear and earthy encrustations feature to the surface.
Date: Circa 1500-300 BC