Scarab Inscribed with the Names of Amun-Re and Neith

Art Historical Context

This delicate scarab, crafted from light green faience around 1295–1070 B.C. during Egypt's New Kingdom (Dynasties 19–20), exemplifies the era's masterful production of protective amulets. Scarabs, modeled after the sacred dung beetle symbolizing rebirth and the sun god's daily renewal, were ubiquitous in daily life—worn as jewelry, used as seals, or placed in tombs for eternal protection. At just 2.3 cm long, this piece's petite scale highlights the ancient Egyptians' skill in creating intricate objects for personal devotion. Inscribed on its base with the names of Amun-Re, the supreme king of the gods whose cult flourished in Thebes, and Neith, the fierce warrior goddess of weaving and creation from Sais, it served as a potent talisman invoking divine safeguarding. Faience, a glazed composite of quartz, lime, and clay fired to a brilliant turquoise hue, mimicked costly lapis lazuli or turquoise, making such sacred items accessible beyond royalty. This Rogers Fund acquisition of 1909 at The Metropolitan Museum of Art offers a tangible glimpse into the Ramesside period's spiritual worldview, where piety and artistry intertwined seamlessly.