Ask the Scholar

{
    "localId": "16939",
    "label": "Scarab with Crowns and Cobras Design",
    "core": "obj",
    "dtoType": "object",
    "citationUrl": "https://purl.thewalters.org/art/42.33"
}

{
    "id": "16939",
    "sourceUrl": "https://purl.thewalters.org/art/42.33",
    "contentType": "object",
    "stage": "normalized",
    "title": "Scarab with Crowns and Cobras Design",
    "description": "This steatite scarab has a flat underside with a vertically and horizontally arranged design with the combination of two lower Egyptian crowns and four cobras with raised upper bodies on baskets. The design of the back is detailed with finely incised lines and regular line flow. The proportions of the top are well balanced. The piece is simply made with good workmanship. The scarab functioned as an amulet with kingship connotations. The amulet refers to all-inclusive divine protection, royal power, and perfection. The red crown symbolizes not only the royal aspect but also magical power, and strengthens the protective function of the amulet. The scarab originally would have been mounted or threaded.",
    "provenance": "Henry Walters, Baltimore, 1929 [mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.",
    "date": "ca. 1794-1539 BCE (Late Middle Kingdom-Second Intermediate Period; MB IIB)",
    "citationUrl": "https://purl.thewalters.org/art/42.33",
    "rightsUri": "CC0",
    "language": "en",
    "genreSpecific": [
        "Precious Stones & Gems",
        "scarabs",
        "amulets"
    ],
    "iiifBase": "https://art.thewalters.org/images/art/CUR_42.33_Bot_DD_design_RS2009.jpg",
    "thumbnailUrl": "https://art.thewalters.org/images/art/CUR_42.33_Bot_DD_design_RS2009.jpg",
    "largeImageUrl": "https://art.thewalters.org/images/art/CUR_42.33_Bot_DD_design_RS2009.jpg",
    "imageCount": 5,
    "pageCount": 5,
    "source": "import",
    "dimensions": [
        {
            "units": "cm",
            "width": 0.9,
            "height": 1.3,
            "depth": 1.9
        }
    ],
    "dimensionsRaw": "H: 3/8 x W: 1/2 x L: 3/4 in. (0.9 x 1.3 x 1.9 cm)"
}

{
    "cul": "Egyptian",
    "inscriptions": [
        "[Inscription] Combination of two lower Egyptian crowns",
        "four cobras with raised upper body on baskets",
        "and two nfr-signs (\"\"perfection\"\")."
    ],
    "dynasty": "13th-15th Dynasty",
    "med": "light brown steatite with blue-green glaze",
    "creator_ids": [
        "6182",
        "15541"
    ],
    "collection_ids": [
        "EGY",
        "ANE"
    ],
    "exhibition_ids": []
}

{
    "seq": 1,
    "pageIndex": 0,
    "type": "photo",
    "url": "https://art.thewalters.org/images/raw/CUR_42.33_Bot_DD_RS2009.jpg",
    "mediaId": "92df747b48a76925"
}