Ancient Egypt, Second Intermediate Period Steatite Scarab






Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 128340 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Ancient Egyptian steatite scarab from the Second Intermediate Period, circa 1650–1550 BC, with hieroglyphs on the reverse, perforated for suspension, measuring 0.8 × 0.6 × 0.5 cm and offered with provenance from Prince collection and private collections.
Description from the seller
An Ancient Egyptian steatite scarab decorated with hieroglyphs on the reverse. Careful attention has been given to depict the clypeus and head. The prothorax and elytra are divided by single lines, with two ‘V’s descending from the dissecting prothorax line to form the humeral callosities. The folded legs are represented with deep incisions along the sides of the scarab. The space underneath the fold of the legs is hollow creating an open-work effect. The reverse features a hieroglyphic inscription composed of a seated figure, possibly a deity holding a uraeus, a nefer symbol to the right and a neb basket underneath. The scarab has been perforated longitudinally for suspension. Earthly encrustations to the surface. Signs of wear as consistent with its age.
Please note this is a small scarab, measurements have been included below.
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.
Measurements: (circa) L 0.8cm x W 0.6cm x H 0.5cm
Provenance: Ex Prince collection, 1990s-2014; Ex. Private collection 1970s-1990s.
Seller's Story
An Ancient Egyptian steatite scarab decorated with hieroglyphs on the reverse. Careful attention has been given to depict the clypeus and head. The prothorax and elytra are divided by single lines, with two ‘V’s descending from the dissecting prothorax line to form the humeral callosities. The folded legs are represented with deep incisions along the sides of the scarab. The space underneath the fold of the legs is hollow creating an open-work effect. The reverse features a hieroglyphic inscription composed of a seated figure, possibly a deity holding a uraeus, a nefer symbol to the right and a neb basket underneath. The scarab has been perforated longitudinally for suspension. Earthly encrustations to the surface. Signs of wear as consistent with its age.
Please note this is a small scarab, measurements have been included below.
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.
Measurements: (circa) L 0.8cm x W 0.6cm x H 0.5cm
Provenance: Ex Prince collection, 1990s-2014; Ex. Private collection 1970s-1990s.
Seller's Story
Details
Disclaimer
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.
