Ancient Egyptian Steatite Scarab with Protective Hieroglyphs






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| €56 | ||
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| €51 | ||
| €2 | ||
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Ancient Egyptian glazed steatite scarab with protective hieroglyphs on the reverse, the obverse featuring a stylised head and elytra markings, dating to circa 1550–1070 BC and measuring 1.7 cm by 1.2 cm.
Description from the seller
An Ancient Egyptian glazed steatite scarab decorated with hieroglyphs to the reverse. The obverse features a stylised head and clypeus. Linear striations mark the elytra. To the reverse are various hieroglyphs included the shield sign, dedicated to the goddess Neith and a large bird, possibly for Amun. Most likely these signs were apotropaic, offering protection to the owner.
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.
The Egyptian god, Amun-Ra, was a highly important deity in the Egyptian pantheon. Originally, he was worshipped as two gods, the creator of the universe, Amun, and the sun-god, Ra. He gained national importance after the defeat of the Hyksos at Thebes in the 16th century, and it is from this date that Amun and Ra were conjoined into one god.
Measurements: L 1.7cm x W 1.2cm
Provenance:Ex Mustaki Collection, early 20th century, UK.
Seller's Story
An Ancient Egyptian glazed steatite scarab decorated with hieroglyphs to the reverse. The obverse features a stylised head and clypeus. Linear striations mark the elytra. To the reverse are various hieroglyphs included the shield sign, dedicated to the goddess Neith and a large bird, possibly for Amun. Most likely these signs were apotropaic, offering protection to the owner.
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.
The Egyptian god, Amun-Ra, was a highly important deity in the Egyptian pantheon. Originally, he was worshipped as two gods, the creator of the universe, Amun, and the sun-god, Ra. He gained national importance after the defeat of the Hyksos at Thebes in the 16th century, and it is from this date that Amun and Ra were conjoined into one god.
Measurements: L 1.7cm x W 1.2cm
Provenance:Ex Mustaki Collection, early 20th century, UK.
Seller's Story
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The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
