Scarab with Protective Sign

Second Intermediate Period

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

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 109

Many Middle Kingdom and Second Intermediate Period scarabs show a hieroglyph in the shape of a long and narrow loop. It is a stylized version of the sign for protection (sa) and is often mistaken for another hieroglyph, the loop or ring (shen) that is used to form words that refer to encircling, enclosing. The protective loop, whether represented once or multiple times, with or without other positive signs and symbols, thus bestows protection upon the owner of the amulet.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Scarab with Protective Sign
Period: Second Intermediate Period
Date: ca. 1640–1500 B.C. (Middle Bronze Age IIB-IIC)
Geography: From Egypt, Memphite Region, Lisht North, Cemetery, MMA excavations
Medium: Green glazed steatite
Dimensions: L. 1.1 × W. 0.7 × H. 0.5 cm (7/16 × 1/4 × 3/16 in.)
Credit Line: Rogers Fund and Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1920
Object Number: 20.1.37
Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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