An Egyptian Serpentine Inscribed Scaraboid of a Recumbent Ram, 18th Dynasty, ca. 1550 - 1295 BCE

Carved from back serpentine, here the scaraboid back itself is replaced by the features of a couchant ram, hand carved in high relief. Revered for its virility and hence creative powers and associated with the god Amun-Re, the ram rests on an elongated oval base that is incised with text that no doubt was used to serve as a seal. The text is a play on words that reads: “Amun-Re is satisfied and powerful.” or, less literally: “Amunhotep is powerful ”, thus associating Amunhotep with the god Amun.Condition: Worn from use with some ancient losses to the back, but otherwise intact and in very good condition overall. A rare example.Dimensions: Length: 7/8 inch (2.01 cm)Provenance: Private Maryland collection of a diplomat, acquired while serving in Egypt between 1949 and 1956, and then by descent.