Scarab Amulet
Egyptian Scarab Amulet of Thutmose III
A green glazed steatite scarab amulet with detailed carvings of anatomical features, including heiroglyphs that form the throne name of the Pharaoh Thutmose III.
Scarabs are commemorative amulets carved with hieroglyphs. These would either be worn or buried with a mummy to bless them in the passing into the afterlife.
Artefact: 2cm Egyptian Glazed Steatite Scarab
Period: New Kingdom Period (18th Dynasty)
Estimated Age: 3400 Years
The hieroglyphs – from the top – consist of a plant with Two Eye’s of Horus follow representing protection, health and restoration.
Along the sides are ostrich feathers of ‘Maat’ symbolising truth and justice with a basket sign at the bottom ‘nb’ meaning ‘Lord’.
The centre of the scarab is an oval royal cartouche forming the throne name of Pharaoh Thutmose III, ‘Menkheperre’.
Artefact Features
Details of the scarab beetle are engraved on the top side of the amulet, including the head and legs.
The royal cartouche includes hieroglyphs of a sun disc, followed by a draughtboard sign ‘men’, and a beetle ‘kheper’. These form the throne neame of Thutmose III, ‘Menkheperre’.
Scarabs were usually pierced longitudinally to either be worn as jewellery such as rings and necklaces.