Egyptian Hyksos Period Scarab with Uraeus
£ 240.00
A fine and well-preserved Egyptian steatite scarab amulet, from the Hyksos period, with incised features such as clypeus, prothorax and elytra marked by single lines. The reverse features a symmetrical pattern. A rearing cobra, known as a Uraeus sits in the middle, flanked by two oval cartouches. Within each cartouche is a crude ‘ankh’ symbol, depicted in two parts; the oval loop and the support. Papyrus stems decorate the upper register above the uraeus, while the basked symbol ‘nb’, is situated at the bottom. The arrangement of the hieroglyphs and their lack of specific meaning is typical of Hyksos period scarabs. Scarabs were apotropaic to the wearer and during a time when Egypt was ruled by foreign rulers, amulets and potent signs were copied and emulated.
Date: Circa 1786 – 1650 BC
Period: Second Intermediate Period, Hyksos Period, Dynasty 15th -17th
Provenance: Ex Mustaki Collection. The scarab comes from the Mustaki Collection. Mustaki was an avid collector in the early 20th century and his collection came to the UK under Egyptian licence in 1947. Many of his pieces are in major museums worldwide, including the British Museum, the Getty Museum and the Egyptian State Museum. This collection and this item has been catalogued by Carol Andrews (formerly Egyptian Department in the British Museum).
Condition: Fine, complete and intact.
SOLD
