Scarab Seal with Interlaced Coil and Nefer Sign
Scarab Seal with Interlaced Coil and Nefer Sign
Place of OriginEgypt
Date12th–18th Dynasties (1991–1292 BCE)
DimensionsH: 3/4 in. (1.8 cm); W: 1/2 in. (1.2 cm); Depth: 5/16 in. (0.8 cm)
MediumSteatite; glazed.
ClassificationUtilitarian Objects
Credit LineGift of Henry W. Wilhelm
Object number
1927.63
Not on View
DescriptionA scarab-shaped seal carved from steatite. The back is of medium height and evenly rounded. The head and clypeus are separated from the prothorax by a straight line. Pronounced nicks at the sides, directed downward, mark the separation between the prothorax and the elytra (wing cases), though there is no suture line dividing the wing cases themselves (plain back). The legs are rendered summarily by single broad lines in relief, with only a slight suggestion of separation between the rear and middle pairs; no striations are visible. The object is pierced lengthwise. The original green glaze has completely deteriorated, leaving the surface a polished gray/brown steatite. The left elytrum is chipped. The base features a deep intaglio design: a central twisted cord (braid) interlaced with a tall, thin nefer sign.
Label TextThe design on the underside of this seal combines a geometric knot with the hieroglyph nefer, which means "good," "beautiful," or "perfect." The woven rope pattern surrounding the sign symbolizes eternity or protection. During the Second Intermediate Period (the "Hyksos" era), such designs were extremely popular, blending decorative beauty with magical function to ensure good fortune for the wearer. The glaze on this piece has worn away, revealing the grey stone underneath.
12th–18th Dynasties (1991–1292 BCE)
Hyksos, 17th-16th century BCE
12th Dynasty (1991–1802 BCE)
16th–18th Dynasties (1650–1292 BCE)
Possibly Hyksos, shortly before 1580 BCE
18th Dynasty (1550-1292 BCE), about 1400 BCE
18th Dynasty (1550-1292 BCE), about 1400 BCE
19th Dynasty or later (1292–30 BCE)
19th Dynasty (1292–1189 BCE)
18th Dynasty (1550-1292 BCE), about 1381 BCE
26th Dynasty (664–525 BCE), about 600 BCE
19th Dynasty (1292–1189 BCE)
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