Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Scarab with Resting Griffon
This faience scarab has a flat underside with a horizontally arranged design of a resting griffon with raised head, wings, and tail above a script sign. The piece was formed in a mold. The design of the back is very simply modeled. The workmanship is slightly rough and the piece is poorly made.
The scarab functioned as an amulet with divine kingship connotations, and was originally mounted or threaded. The amulet should assure magical protection for its owner.
The discoloration may be a result of fire. The shape of the scarab is very unspecific, and it is difficult to find criteria for the dating of the piece. But, the form and attitude of the griffon, as well as the very reduced back design suggests a time frame into the Hyksos period.
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 [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.
Geographies
Palestine (Place of Origin)
Measurements
H: 1/4 x W: 1/2 x L: 11/16 in. (0.7 x 1.2 x 1.7 cm)
Credit Line
Acquired by Henry Walters
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.
42.524