© Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University

ClassificationsAncient Near Eastern Art

Scarab with Decorative Patterns and Signs

AAT Object Form/Functionscarabs (carvings)

AAT Object Form/Functionseals (artifacts)

AAT Object Form/Functiongems (worked stones)

Place ExcavatedJericho, Palestine, Asia

CultureCanaanite

PeriodMiddle Bronze Age II

Date1800-1600 BCE

MediumSteatite

Credit LineJericho Excavations, 1952-1958

Dimensions1 3/4 x 1 1/2 in. (4.4 x 3.8 cm)

Object number1955.074

Label TextScarab seals were imported as well as locally produced at Jericho. The use of the scarab shape for seals and amulets reflects trade and close connections with Egypt. Though some of the seals note the names of "Hyksos" kings and officials, most examples were decorated with geometric designs and meaningless, false hieroglyphs.
Exhibition HistoryA Preview of the Collections, Schatten Gallery, February 15 - April 4, 1982
MCCM Permanent Collection Galleries, May 11, 1993 - Spring 2001
Published ReferencesKathleen Kenyon, Excavations at Jericho II (London: British School of Archaeology in Jerusalem, 1965), 424, figure 299, number 2.
Emory University Museum of Art and Archaeology: A Preview of the Collections (Atlanta: The Museum, 1982), 8.

ProvenanceExcavated by Kathleen Kenyon (1906-1978), Jericho, Palestine.

Status

Not on view

Collections