Scarab
Blue and green glaze
Geographical origin unknown
Museum number 1975-488-5
A scarab beetle with a blue and green glaze, bearing several hieroglyphs on the underside. Scarabs were mostly made for the living as amulets or charms, and were believed to have protective powers. They were also used as seals bearing the names and titles of officials, kings or members of royal families. The cartouche on this scarab contains three hieroglyphs which read "Menkheperra" the throne-name of king Thutmose III. This was widely used as part of scarab design for many centuries after he died.