ANCIENT EGYPTIAN STEATITE SCARAB AMULET

An exceptional example of a protective personal talisman from the Second Intermediate Period, displaying the highly stylized, symmetrical iconography characteristic of Delta workshops.

The incised oval base is framed by a deeply carved, continuous twisted rope border. The central composition is anchored at the base by a prominent Neb basket hieroglyph (π“Ž™), meaning "all" or "lordship." Rising from the basket is a central Wadj papyrus pillar (𓇅), its flared flowering umbel terminating just beneath a hatched semicircular sun-ray motif at the apex. This central column of flourishing youth and vitality is flanked symmetrically by two vertical Nefer hieroglyphs (π“„€), symbolizing "beauty," "goodness," or "perfection."

Together, the glyphs form a potent cryptographic visual formula wishing the owner "all flourishing growth and goodness."

  • Period: Second Intermediate Period (c. 1700–1550 BCE)

  • Dynasty: 13th–15th Dynasty

  • Material: Glazed steatite (soapstone)

  • Dimensions: 1.7 cm Γ— 1.2 cm

  • Condition: Fine; features minor age-related chipping along the left peripheral border with a naturally weathered, cream-colored surface and distinct soil deposits retaining the deep incisions.

  • Provenance: Freeman’s Auction house, Harmer Rooke NY 1984

  • Artifact number TG 0013

Price € 250,β€”