Egyptian Steatite Scarab Dedicated to Khonsu

£ 595.00

An ancient Egyptian, steatite scarab dedicated to the god Khonsu. The obverse features a stylised, moulded head and clypeus. The prothorax and elytra are formed from incised linear marks. To the reverse are five large and clearly incised hieroglyphs. To the left is the ‘swt’ plant, known as the symbol of Upper Egypt. Alongside it is a circular, striated sign and single horizontal stroke. The circle transliterates as ‘kh’ and the single stroke represents the water ripple, ‘n’ sign. Together these three signs combine to form the name of the god Khonsu. Beneath the water ripple is a large bird, most likely an owl. To the bird’s left is a small sign, described as a rolled up reed mat. Known as the s3 (sA) hieroglyph, it symbolised protection. Thus, the scarab is calling on the protection of the god Khonsu. The scarab has been pierced longitudinally for suspension.

Date: Circa 664 - 332 BC
Period: Late Period
Provenance: Ex private collection Mr MT.
Condition: Excellent condition. With clear hieroglyphs. Faint hairline crack to the reverse, but stable.
SKU: ES-299 Categories: , Tags: , , , ,

The scarab beetle was an exceedingly popular symbol in the art of Ancient Egypt, thought to represent the sun god, Ra. The Ancient Egyptians believed that the scarab beetle rolling its ball of dung across the desert mirrored the journey of the sun across the sky from day to night. As the beetle laid its eggs within the dung, it became a symbol of rebirth and regeneration. These scarab beetle amulets were made in various forms, such as heart scarabs, commemorative scarabs, and scarab amulets, thus catering to different functions. Scarab amulets were believed to have magical rejuvenating properties, used by both the living and the dead.

Khonsu was the Egyptian god of the moon, worshiped extensively in Thebes. Together with his mother, Mut, and father, Amun, he formed part of the Theban triad. He was a god associated with travel and the passing of time and had a vital role to play in the creation of life.

To discover more about amulets in the Ancient Egyptian world, please visit our relevant post: Amulets in Ancient Egypt. 

Weight 2.23 g
Dimensions L 1.8 x W 1.2 x H 0.8 cm
Egyptian Mythology

Khonsu

Region

North Africa

Stone

Steatite

Reference: For a similar item,The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, item 76.31.3910

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