Egyptian Blue Amulet of the Deified Amenhotep

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Egyptian Blue Amulet of the Deified Amenhotep

Place of OriginEgypt

Date20th Dynasty or later (1189–1077 BCE)

DimensionsH: 9/16 in. (1.4 cm); W: 3/8 in. (1 cm); Depth: 1/4 in. (0.6 cm)

MediumEgyptian Blue (Cuprorivaite)?

ClassificationJewelry

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Grant Williams

Object number

1927.76

Not on View

DescriptionA small scarab-shaped seal made of blue siliceous paste (unglazed faience). The back is high and evenly rounded with naturalistic modeling; the division between the elytra (wing cases) is marked by a single line, though now partly worn. The legs are rendered in relief with a deep depression between the fore and middle pairs, lacking striations. The object is pierced lengthwise. The surface is friable and powdery, colored a deep blue throughout the body, though now darkened in parts by a brownish film (possibly resin or gum). The base bears a molded hieroglyphic inscription: s3b 'Imn-htp.

Label TextThis deep blue scarab is not made of glazed pottery, but of "Egyptian Blue," a synthetic pigment that was molded and fired to create a solid, stone-like object. It was not used to seal documents, but to heal the sick. The base is inscribed "The Sage, Amenhotep," referring to Amenhotep son of Hapu, a real architect and scribe who lived 300 years earlier. By this period, he had been transformed into a god of wisdom and healing. Much like a modern religious medal, this amulet would have been worn by a devotee seeking his protection.