Scarab of Sebekhotep IV
Unknown Artist
ca. 1731–1719 B.C.
Medium
Steatite
Dimensions
L. 2.1 × W. 1.4 × H. 1 cm (13/16 × 9/16 × 3/8 in.)
Classification
Scarab, Sebekhotep IV, hieroglyphs
Period
Middle Kingdom
Department
Egyptian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund and Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1922
Accession Number
22.1.423
Rights
Public Domain
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite scarab of Sebekhotep IV, carved from steatite during Egypt’s Middle Kingdom around 1731–1719 B.C., exemplifies the enduring power of amuletic objects in ancient Egyptian culture. Measuring just over two centimeters in length, the compact beetle-shaped form was a popular symbol of rebirth and protection, believed to harness the sun’s daily renewal. Inscribed with hieroglyphs that likely include the royal name of this Thirteenth Dynasty ruler, the scarab served both practical and spiritual purposes, functioning as a seal for administrative documents while invoking divine favor for...