Scarab Inscribed with the Throne Name of Hatshepsut
Unknown Artist
ca. 1479–1458 B.C.
Medium
Steatite (glazed)
Dimensions
L. 1.5 cm (9/16 in.)
Classification
Scarab, Hatshepsut, Maatkare
Period
New Kingdom
Department
Egyptian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1905
Accession Number
05.3.359
Tags
Art Historical Context
Behold the petite yet powerful *Scarab Inscribed with Throne Name of Hatsheut*, a glazed steatite gem from Egypt's New Kingdom, Dynasty 18 (ca. 1479–1458 B.C.). Measuring just 1.5 cm long, this scarab—shaped like the sacred dung beetle—served as both an amulet and a, embodying rebirth and the sun god's daily journey. Crafted by an unknown artist, its glossy glaze on soft steatite stone highlights the Egyptians' mastery of glazing techniques, creating durable, jewel-like objects for everyday or ritual use. Queen Hatshepsut, one of Egypt's few female pharaohs, inscribed her throne name in hiero...