A fine steatite Egyptian scarab with incised hieroglyphs to the reverse. The obverse features a stylised head and clypeus and small indentations for the humeral callosities. Decorated to the reverse, it has been incised with a chariot scene, depicting a pharaoh holding the reins of a horse-drawn chariot. To the top of the scarab is a small hieroglyph of the seated figure of Ma’at, goddess of truth and justice. This sign represents the throne name of Ramesses IV; [user]-maat-[re]. User-Maat-Re translates as ‘The justice of Ra is powerful’. The scarab is pierced for suspension.
Date: Circa 1153–1147 BC Period: New Kingdom Period, 20th Dynasty Provenance: Ex private UK collection, Mr. DP, formerly acquired from a London dealership, BL, from 2004-2012. Condition: Very fine. Clear and defined hieroglyphs.
The throne name Usermaatre was one used by Ramesses IV, as well as his father (Ramesses III) and his illustrious ancestor, Ramesses II. He was the third pharaoh of the 20th Dynasty, ruling for 6 short years from 1155 – 1149 BC. He was the fifth son of Ramesses III, his four brothers having predeceased their father. He attempted to carry on the monumental building program developed by Ramesses the Great. Part of this program included extending the Temple of Khonsu at Karnak. Ramesses IV changed his throne name early on in his reign from Usermaatre to Heqamaatre, which translates as ‘True Ruler’ or ‘Ruler in Truth’, perhaps in an attempt to distinguish himself from his father and the Great Ancestor.
To discover more about amulets in the Ancient Egyptian world, please visit our relevant post: Amulets in Ancient Egypt.
