Scarab with Lion and Uraeus

Second Intermediate Period

ca. 1640–1500 B.C. (late Middle Bronze Age IIB-IIC)

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 109

Canaanite scarabs of the late Middle Bronze Age (ca. 1640–1500 B.C.) frequently show scenes with a wild animal such as a lion, ibex, antelope or crocodile, or to a lesser extent with a donkey or hippo, only a few examples depict bulls. Except for the donkey and bull, these animals live in the wild and were feared as well as respected. During this period, Canaanite seal carvers decorated the interior of animals with parallel lines, or short strokes to represent their fur. It has been suggested that compositions with wild animals symbolize the successful dominance over nature and control over chaos. The underside of this scarab shows a uraeus and a seated lion, its mane rendered by long strokes. The barely discernible motif in front of the lion’s mouth may be another cobra.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Scarab with Lion and Uraeus
Period: Second Intermediate Period
Date: ca. 1640–1500 B.C. (late Middle Bronze Age IIB-IIC)
Geography: From Egypt, Memphite Region, Lisht North, Cemetery, MMA excavations
Medium: Green glazed steatite
Dimensions: L. 2 × W. 1.4 × H. 0.9 cm (13/16 × 9/16 × 3/8 in.)
Credit Line: Rogers Fund and Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1920
Object Number: 20.1.28
Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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