CNG 91, Lot: 1720. Estimate $300. Sold for $360. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

2nd Intermediate Period. Circa 1650-1550 BC. Steatite scarab (21x15mm). Base deeply carved with a crocodile and an antelope. Cf. Matouk II, 727-729. Intact, slight discoloration on top from mount, once glazed, pierced for mounting.

From the Dr. John N. Winnie Collection, purchased from Harlan J. Berk on 12/25/00.

Crocodiles and antelopes, along with lions, sphinxes and royal cobras, are frequently represented in different poses on scarabs. It is very likely these served as magical amulets (cf. Ben-Tor, p. 32).