Scarab Amulet with Prayer to Khonsu

Place of OriginEgypt

Date18th Dynasty (1550-1292 BCE), about 1400 BCE

DimensionsH: 9/16 in. (1.4 cm); W: 3/8 in. (1 cm); Depth: 5/16 in. (0.8 cm)

MediumSteatite; glazed.

ClassificationUtilitarian Objects

Credit LineGift of Henry W. Wilhelm

Object number

1927.65

Not on View

DescriptionA scarab-shaped seal carved from steatite. The back is naturalistic and "ornate," featuring a high prothorax with incised curved lines ornamenting the edges. A single deep line divides the elytra (wing cases), and incised triangles (humeral callosities) mark their upper outer corners. The prothorax curves downward at the head and where it meets the elytra. The legs are deeply undercut, particularly between the fore and middle pairs, but lack internal modeling or striations. The object is pierced lengthwise. The original glaze has entirely deteriorated, leaving the surface a light brown or dirty white color. The clypeus (head), tips of the elytra, left rear leg, and right foreleg are chipped. The base features a vertical hieroglyphic inscription reading: ḫnsw m s3(.i)

Label TextThis small scarab carries a short, personal prayer inscribed in hieroglyphs on its underside: "Khonsu is my protection." Khonsu was the ancient Egyptian moon god, the son of Amun and Mut, and a deity associated with healing and safe travels at night. During the New Kingdom, ordinary Egyptians increasingly wore amulets like this one to feel a direct, personal connection to the gods, seeking their safety in daily life rather than just in the afterlife. The beetle itself is carved with exceptional detail, featuring delicate triangular markings on its back.