Scaraboid

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A scaraboid is a seal amulet used by the ancient Egyptians. It is similar to a scarab, but lacks the naturalistic details of the dung beetle which were portrayed on scarabs. This example of glazed steatite dates from around 1539 to 1295 BC.

This picture shows the base of the scaraboid. It has been incised with the name of Hatshepsut, queen from around 1473 to 1458 BC. The edge of the lower thread hole has broken away.

Religious and secular life were intertwined in ancient Egypt. The king (known as pharaoh from the time of the New Kingdom) was also considered to be several gods. Objects inscribed with the names of kings could function as amulets, and need not date to their reigns.

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• Online ID: 000-100-104-584-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1960.389
• Date: New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty
  New Kingdom: 18th Dynasty (around 1473 to 1295 BC)
  
• Material:
• Dimensions: 0.69" L
  
• What:
• Subject: Scarabs
  
• Who: Hatshepsut
  
• Where: Ancient Egypt, Thebes, Deir el-Bahri
  
• Event:
• Description: Scaraboid, glazed steatite, incised on the base with the name (prenomen) of Hatshepsut: Ancient Egyptian, from Deir el-Bahri, Thebes, New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty
  
• References:
• Translations:
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