Lapis Lazuli Scarab Inscribed for Ramses II

Expand

IIIFView PDF

Images(4)

Lapis Lazuli Scarab Inscribed for Ramses II

Place of OriginEgypt

Date19th Dynasty (1292–1189 BCE)

DimensionsH: 3/4 in. (1.9 cm); W: 9/16 in. (1.4 cm); Depth: 7/16 in. (1.1 cm)

MediumLapis lazuli

ClassificationJewelry

Credit LineGift of Henry W. Wilhelm

Object number

1927.70

Not on View

DescriptionThe object is a scarab beetle carved from dark blue lapis lazuli featuring mottled impurities. The back of the beetle is well-modeled with a high profile and a shaped prothorax distinguished from the elytra (wing cases) by a single incised line. The head features prominent eyes and the legs are carved in relief against the side of the body without striations. The base is incised with the prenomen of the king: Wsr-m3't-R' Stp-n-R' (Usermaatre-Setepenre). The inscription is not enclosed in a cartouche and reads from right to left. The object is pierced lengthwise for suspension.

Label TextRamses II (reigned 1279–1213 BCE), known as Ramses the Great, is often celebrated as the most powerful pharaoh of the New Kingdom. His sixty-six-year rule was marked by monumental building projects, such as Abu Simbel, and military campaigns in the Levant. This scarab functions as a seal and features his throne name, Usermaatre-Setepenre ("Mighty is the Truth of Re, Chosen of Re"). Such objects are among the most numerous surviving from ancient Egypt, attesting to the extraordinary length and prosperity of his reign.

The amulet is carved from lapis lazuli (khesbed), a semi-precious stone prized for its deep blue color flecked with golden pyrite. Associated with the night sky and the hair of the gods, this material was not native to Egypt but imported via long-distance trade from modern-day Afghanistan. Its foreign origin and expense meant it was restricted to royal and high-elite use.

This object was acquired through Dr. Caroline Ransom Williams (1872–1952). The first American woman professionally trained as an Egyptologist, she served as a pivotal consultant for the Toledo Museum of Art and was instrumental in building its early Egyptian collection.