A relatively large Ancient Egyptian steatite scarab of naturalistic form. The base inscribed with a twisted rope between two-line arcs containing parallel lines design.
Supplied with hard wax impression of the design.
Second Intermediate Hyksos Period: 15th -17th Dynasty: Circa 1786-1650 BC
Condition: Very fine condition, good fabric, and with clear motifs.
Length 20.2 mms (0.75 ins).
Provenance: Ex Mustaki Collection. Mustaki was an avid collector in the early 20th century, and his collection came to the UK under Egyptian licence in 1947.
Literature: For similar, see Matouk, F.S., Corpus du scarabée égyptien. Vol. 2: Analyse thématique, Beirut, 1976, p.406, no. 2076
Scarabs with such a design were primarily used for protection, sealing, and status, not religious veneration. Their abstract design did not lessen their significance: They served a vital role in everyday and ritual life during the Second Intermediate Period, primarily both in Egypt and Canaan.