Object Details
Label
Scarab amulets have been excavated in both settlement and cemetery sites and are associated with all levels of the society in ancient Egypt. Beginning with the Middle Kingdom period (ca. 1850 and 1650 BCE) they were often used as administrative seals as is evident by numerous clay impressions produced by personal scarab seals excavated in settlement sites.
Provenance
To 1908
Ali Arabi, Giza, Egypt, to 1908 [1]
From 1908 to 1919
Charles Lang Freer (1854-1919), purchased from Ali Arabi, in Cairo, in May, 1908 [2]
From 1920
Freer Gallery of Art, gift of Charles Lang Freer in 1920 [3]
Notes:
[1] See Original Pottery List, L. 1722, Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Archives.
[2] See note 1.
[3] The original deed of Charles Lang Freer's gift was signed in 1906. The collection was received in 1920 upon the completion of the Freer Gallery.
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art Collection
Previous custodian or owner
Ali Arabi (ca. 1840-1932) (C.L. Freer source)
Charles Lang Freer (1854-1919)
Credit Line
Gift of Charles Lang Freer
Date
664-332 BCE
Period
Late Period
Accession Number
F1908.81
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Jewelry and Ornament
Medium
Faience (glazed composition)
Dimensions
H x W x D: 8 x 5.8 x 1 cm (3 1/8 x 2 5/16 x 3/8 in)
Origin
Egypt
Related Online Resources
Google Arts & Culture
See more items in
National Museum of Asian Art
Data Source
National Museum of Asian Art
Topic
faience
beetle
Late Period (664 - 332 BCE)
Egypt
Ancient Egyptian Art
protection
Charles Lang Freer collection
Link to Original Record
Record ID
fsg_F1908.81