A finely engraved Egyptian steate scarab beetle amulet with incised features such as clypeus, prothorax and elytra marked by single lines. The reverse features a four distinct hieroglyphs, clearly moulded. To the top is an elongated, recumbent hare, followed by the ‘n’ water ripple sign. Beneath are two more hieroglyphs. To the left is a duck, wings outstretched behind him in flight. Next to the bird is a circular sign, with an additional oval loop. This is described as a ‘milk jug tied in a net’; it’s definition requiring some artistic licence.
The scarab has been pierced longitudinally for suspension.
Date: Circa 664-332 BC Period: Late Period Provenance: Ex North London, UK, gentleman, 1990s. Condition: Excellent. Clearly defined hieroglyphs and deeply moulded features.
Scarabs with blessings on them became popular from the New Kingdom. This scarab includes two signs that refer to creation or existence. The recumbent hare, a phonogram, transliterates as ‘wn’ or ‘wnn’ and translates as ‘to be’. It was also used in the title or epithet Wenennefer, used as an alternative for the god Osiris. The second ‘creation’ sign is depicted beneath, in the form of a flying duck. Again this was transliterated a number of ways, one being as ‘qm3’, which translates as ‘create’. The third defining symbol is described, ambiguously, as a ‘milk jug tied in a net’. It has various translations and uses which include being translated as ‘likeness’. Combining these symbols together could thus invoke a blessing of creation, or more specifically evokes Osiris to create a likeness of himself for the wearer.
To discover more about amulets in the Ancient Egyptian world, please visit our relevant post: Amulets in Ancient Egypt.
