Egyptian hedgehog scaraboid, Late Dynastic Period, 25th-26th Dynasty, c.747-525 BC
Steatite
Length 3.2cm
10800
£ 2,800.00
Further images
Steatite scaraboid with pale green glaze in the form of a walking hedgehog. An openwork suspension loop underneath the animal’s snout. He has small pricked ears, a furrowed brow and...
Steatite scaraboid with pale green glaze in the form of a walking hedgehog. An openwork suspension loop underneath the animal’s snout. He has small pricked ears, a furrowed brow and large eyes. The upper surface incised with a series of V-shaped lines representing the spines, the underside of the base carved with the figure of Bes wearing his distinctive feathered headdress. A small chip from the front of the base, repaired fracture to suspension loop.
Scaraboids in the form of hedgehogs were popular in Egypt from the Middle Kingdom onwards. The symbolism of the hedgehog’s emergence from a long period of hibernation was akin to the concept of rebirth, whilst their spiny exterior was thought to give protection against dangerous creatures and evil spirits. The god Bes was seen as protector of women during childbirth, warding off evil spirits.
Scaraboids in the form of hedgehogs were popular in Egypt from the Middle Kingdom onwards. The symbolism of the hedgehog’s emergence from a long period of hibernation was akin to the concept of rebirth, whilst their spiny exterior was thought to give protection against dangerous creatures and evil spirits. The god Bes was seen as protector of women during childbirth, warding off evil spirits.
Provenance
Gustave Mustaki, Alexandria, Egypt; exported from Egypt to the UK c.1950Elsa MacLellan, UK; by descent from the above
Private collection, London, UK; by descent from the above
Private collection, Rome, Italy; acquired 2012
