Scarab Incised with Hieroglyph and Papyrus

Second Intermediate Period

ca. 1580–1550 B.C.

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 109

Papyrus plants and other floral designs often decorate the underside of seal-amulets because they refer to life, renewal and regeneration. This scarab shows a three-stemmed papyrus plant with one straight stem flanked by two stems hanging down. The hieroglyph for good and beautiful (nefer) is placed above, reinforcing the positive power of the design.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Scarab Incised with Hieroglyph and Papyrus
Period: Second Intermediate Period
Date: ca. 1580–1550 B.C.
Geography: From Egypt, Memphite Region, Lisht North, Cemetery, MMA excavations
Medium: Bright blue faience
Dimensions: L. 1.7 × W. 1.2 × H. 0.9 cm (11/16 × 1/2 × 3/8 in.)
Credit Line: Rogers Fund and Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1920
Object Number: 20.1.55
Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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