Ancient Egypt, New Kingdom to Third Intermediate Period, 18th to 25th Dynasty, ca. 1550 to 664 BCE. A jet-black scarab that is hand-carved from hematite featuring a bovine motif on the underside. The top of the ovoid scarab showcases a petite head, a bulbous wing carapace, and thinly incised grooves around the base indicative of legs. The stone is pierced laterally through the head and posterior. The underside face is engraved with a mother cow standing watch over her recumbent calf. The Egyptian goddesses Hathor and Mehet-Weret (also Mehturt) were both often represented as cows. Hathor personifies the principles of love, beauty, and motherhood and Mehet-Weret is the goddess or water, creation, and rebirth. Size: 0.7" L x 0.5" W (1.8 cm x 1.3 cm)
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection, acquired 1990s
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#165745
Condition
Chips to peripheries. Nicks to face and softening of engraved details. Upper body of scarab is intact and polished.