A Royal Egyptian Steatite Scarab for Thutmose III, New Kingdom, ca. 1550 - 1069 BCE

The underside of this steatite scarab shows Horus-the-child sitting on the sign for “gold” and sucking on his finger. A uraeus cobra at right extends its wings protectively. The cartouche at left contains the prenomen Men-kheper-re (Thutmose III, though this piece may post-date his reign).  The symbolism is probably that of the young god of the rising sun (symbolized by gold).  Dimensions:  Height: 1.4 cm (0.55 inches) Condition:  Overall intact and in very good condition. Provenance:  Private Maryland collection of a diplomat, acquired while serving in Egypt between 1949 and 1956, and then by descent.