Scarab with the Representation of an Ichneumon (Mongoose)

Third Intermediate Period

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 130

The ichneumon or Egyptian mongoose does not often figure on the underside of seal-amulets. However, in the Third Intermediate Period (ca. 1070-664 B.C.), the ichneumon appears in combination with a sun disk and an ostrich feather, or with the pillar that is the symbol of the city of Iwnw, better known by its Greek name, Heliopolis. The ichneumon was indeed considered by the ancient Egyptians to be the animal of the sun god Atum, the creator god whose main cult center was at Heliopolis.

The combination of signs and symbols on this scarab refers to Atum as the father of Shu, the god of air and light and referred to by the sign of the ostrich feather (shu).

Scarab with the Representation of an Ichneumon (Mongoose), Glazed steatite

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Scarab with the Representation of an Ichneumon (Mongoose), Glazed steatite
Scarab with the Representation of an Ichneumon (Mongoose), Glazed steatite
Scarab with the Representation of an Ichneumon (Mongoose), Glazed steatite
Scarab with the Representation of an Ichneumon (Mongoose), Glazed steatite

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