An Ancient Egyptian steatite scarab decorated with a scroll and spiral pattern on the reverse. Careful attention has been given to depict the head. Stylised legs are represented with hatched incisions along the sides of the scarab. The arched back has been left free of markings, with only two small incisions to the sides to indicate the humeral callosities. The reverse features a geometric scroll pattern. The scarab has been perforated longitudinally for suspension. Earthly encrustations to the surface. Signs of wear as consistent with its age. The bottom edge of the reverse is chipped close to the perforation hole. A crack extends from the chip. Scarabs of this type, with generalised hieroglyphs and geometric patterns, were popular during the Middle Kingdom. They gain popularity especially during late Dynasty 12 to Dynasty 13, circa 1850–1640 BC. However influence was taken from such designs during the New Kingdom, when geometric patterns also became popular. Scarabs such as these would have been worn for their apotropaic value. Measurements: (circa) L 1.3cm x W 0.9cm x H 0.7cm Provenance: Ex Prince collection, 1990s-2014; Ex. Private collection 1970s-1990s.