Scarab Seal with Antelope and Crocodile

Place of OriginEgypt

DateHyksos, 17th-16th century BCE

DimensionsH: 5/8 in. (1.6 cm); W: 7/16 in. (1.1 cm); Depth: 5/16 in. (0.8 cm)

MediumSteatite; glazed.

ClassificationUtilitarian Objects

Credit LineGift of Henry W. Wilhelm

Object number

1927.66

Not on View

DescriptionA scarab-shaped seal carved from steatite. The back features a high prothorax with a straight horizontal cutting separating it from the head. The elytra (wing cases) are not divided by a suture line, though very slight nicks at the sides indicate the separation between the prothorax and elytra. The legs are coarsely indicated in relief with well-defined pairs; striations appear only on the upper surface of the front pair. The ground between the legs is cut away only slightly. The object is pierced lengthwise. The original glaze has deteriorated to a light gray-brown. The base features a deep intaglio design with cross-hatching.

Label TextThis small seal dates to the "Hyksos Period," a time when foreign rulers from the Near East controlled northern Egypt. The underside features a design of two animals—an oryx (antelope) and a crocodile—carved with a distinct cross-hatched texture. This style of decoration is unique to this era and represents a blend of Egyptian and Canaanite artistic traditions. The scarab would have been worn as a protective amulet, with the crocodile likely symbolizing the power needed to ward off danger.