Steatite scarab amulet carved in the form of a dung beetle, with the underside engraved in sunk relief with hieroglyphs reading the prenomen Aakheperre Setepenre, the royal throne name of Osorkon the Elder, fifth king of Egypt’s 21st Dynasty (c. 10th century BCE). Osorkon the Elder is historically significant as the first ruler of Meshwesh (Libyan) origin to assume the pharaonic titulary, marking an important moment in the political and ethnic landscape of the Third Intermediate Period.

The hieroglyphic inscription would have functioned both as a protective device and as a declaration of royal authority, invoking the king’s divine legitimacy. Scarabs bearing royal names were commonly worn as amulets, used as personal seals, or deposited as votive offerings.

Carved from steatite (soapstone), originally likely glazed, the piece shows surface wear and minor losses along the edges consistent with age and use.