Amulet of scarab beetle

Historical period(s)
Late Period, 664-332 BCE
Medium
Faience (glazed composition)
Dimensions
H x W x D: 8 x 5.8 x 1 cm (3 1/8 x 2 5/16 x 3/8 in)
Geography
Egypt
Credit Line
Gift of Charles Lang Freer
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art
Accession Number
F1908.81
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Faience, Jewelry and Ornament
Type

Amulet

Keywords
beetle, Egypt, Late Period (664 - 332 BCE), protection
Provenance

To 1908
Ali Arabi, Giza, Egypt, to 1908 [1]

From 1908 to 1919
Charles Lang Freer (1854-1919), purchased from Ali Arabi, in Cairo, in May, 1908 [2]

From 1920
Freer Gallery of Art, gift of Charles Lang Freer in 1920 [3]

Notes:

[1] See Original Pottery List, L. 1722, Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Archives.

[2] See note 1.

[3] The original deed of Charles Lang Freer's gift was signed in 1906. The collection was received in 1920 upon the completion of the Freer Gallery.

Previous Owner(s) and Custodian(s)

Ali Arabi (C.L. Freer source) ca. 1840 - 1932
Charles Lang Freer 1854-1919

Label

Scarab amulets have been excavated in both settlement and cemetery sites and are associated with all levels of the society in ancient Egypt. Beginning with the Middle Kingdom period (ca. 1850 and 1650 BCE) they were often used as administrative seals as is evident by numerous clay impressions produced by personal scarab seals excavated in settlement sites.

Published References
  • Ann C. Gunter. A Collector's Journey: Charles Lang Freer and Egypt. Washington and London, 2002. p. 131, fig. 5.6.
Collection Area(s)
Ancient Egyptian Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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