A steatite Egyptian scarab beetle amulet with incised features. The base is carved with clear incised hieroglyphs within an oval cartouche for the prenomen of Thutmose III, transliterating as Men-Kheper-Re. The scarab beetle is further embellished with the addition of two Ma'at feathers symbolising truth. The amulet is pierced longitudinally for suspension. Supplied with hard wax impression of the design.
 
Egyptian: Circa 14th-6th century BC.
 
Very Fine condition.
Length 15.7 mms (0.6 ins).
 
Provenance: From the Gustave Mustaki collection, a collector of antiquities who amassed large collection in Alexandria (Egypt) in the early 20th century and his collection came to the UK under Egyptian licence in 1947.
 
For similar see item II: Egyptian Scarabs and Seal Amulets form the collection of Sigmund Freud: Joachim Sliwa. Compare also with items 276-283: (Taf 27) Skarabäen und andere Siegelamulette aus Basler Sammlungen.
 
Combined meaning: The overall message combines the concept of rebirth with the hope of a successful passage into the afterlife. The presence of the revered name of Thutmose III, combined with the symbol of divine justice and truth, is a magical prayer that essentially says, "May the rebirth of the deceased be as assured as that of the great king Thutmose III, and may they find joy and peace with Maat". The image references the final judgment in a way that blesses the wearer with a successful outcome.
 
See our blog post on scarabs