Egypt, New Kingdom (1540–1069 BCE), Dynasty 18, reign of Amenhotep III (1390–1352 BCE) / c. 1391–1353 BCE
Wild Bull Hunt Scarab of Amenhotep III
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Wild Bull Hunt Scarab of Amenhotep III as scarabs (Egypt, New Kingdom (1540–1069 BCE), Dynasty 18, reign of Amenhotep III (1390–1352 BCE) · c. 1391–1353 BCE).
The variation in tone appears to be related to inclusions and pigmentation in the stone.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this scarabs as steatite.
The museum's collection notes: Large commemorative scarabs are characteristic of Amenhotep III’s reign. About 200 are known, and all are inscribed with texts on their undersides, recording significant events in the life of the king and queen. This particular scarab is one of only 5 known examples that describe a royal bull hunt undertaken in his second year of rule, in which the king killed 96 bulls. More than just a pastime, the king’s success as a hunter symbolized the triumph of royal order over the forces of nature and chaos.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtWild Bull Hunt Scarab of Amenhotep IIIOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.