Ancient Egypt, Late Dynastic Period, 26th to 31st Dynasty, ca. 664 to 332 BCE. A hand-carved steatite scarab of ovoid form with a suspension hole drilled through the body. This ancient scarab has been set in a modern setting with a rope frame and off round shank. The setting is at least 60 years old but likely older.
THE ANCIENT EGYPTIANS MAINTAINED THAT THE SUN WAS PROPELLED ACROSS THE HEAVENS BY MEANS OF A SCARAB. THE EGYPTIANS CREATED MANY AMULETS IN THE FORM OF BEETLES IN A GREAT VARIETY OF MATERIALS. THESE WERE ROUTINELY INSCRIBED WITH HIEROGLYPHS AND IMAGES CONVENIENTLY ACCOMMODATED TO THEIR STYLIZED FLAT UNDERSIDE.
HORSES WERE INTRODUCED IN EGYPT DURING THE SECOND INTERMEDIATE PERIOD (1700-1550 BC), SO THEY WERE A RELATIVELY NEW INTRODUCTION PRECEDING THE NEW KINGDOM. THEY WERE USED AS PLOW ANIMALS AND TO TRAMPLE SEEDS (SEE DESCRIPTION), AND WERE TO BECOME THE ANIMALS TO PULL CHARIOTS FOR THE ELITE AND THE MILITARY IN THE RAMESSIDE PERIOD.
Dimensions: 31.1 x 22.4 mm x 8.8 mm high off finger
Finger Size: 11
Metal: sterling silver
Markings: MTM 9259
Origin: Ancient Egypt
Weight: 10 grams
Circa: 664 to 332 BCE
Condition Rating: 6 (Wearable as shown and constructed in modern times. Scarab is ancient; silver ring setting is modern. Scarab shows more wear on the top, the hieroglyphics are in very good shape)
