Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Scarab with Geometric Spirals
This steatite scarab has a flat underside with a vertically and horizontally arranged design of spiral scrolls. The design on the back of the scarab is detailed, with incised lines and regular flow. The proportions of the top are unbalanced, the piece is carefully made, and the workmanship is good.
This scarab would have functioned as an amulet with renewal connotations, and should provide extensive and all-inclusive renewal. The piece would originally have been mounted or threaded.
Spiral scrolls on scarabs were very popular in the Middle Kingdom and in the Hyksos Period. The meaning of the pattern is not clear, but it seems most likely that it expresses renewal and general support.
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.
Henry Walters, Baltimore, 1911(?) [mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by beqest.
Geographies
Palestine
(Place of Origin)
Egypt (Place of Origin)
Measurements
H: 7/16 x W: 9/16 x L: 13/16 in. (1.1 x 1.5 x 2.1 cm)
Credit Line
Acquired by Henry Walters, 1911 (?)
Location in Museum
Not on view
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
42.23