Scarab with Wish Formula

Description This obsidian scarab is inscribed on the flat underside with vertically arranged column writing requesting the support of the royal palace. The top of the scarab is incised with a detailed design with thick lines, slightly irregular line flow and almost balanced proportions. The piece is simply made and the workmanship is slightly rough. The scarab functioned as a provider individualized amulet with a wish formula. The amulet should provide its owner with the protection of Horus. The piece was originally mounted or threaded. A similar wish formula can be found on Walters 42.8.

Provenance Henry Walters, Baltimore, 1913 [mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.

Inscriptions [Translation] May he be a favorite (in) the temple of Horus.

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters, 1913