CNG 93, Lot: 1953. Estimate $400. Sold for $1300. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

New Kingdom. 18th Dynasty. Ahmose-Nefertari, royal wife of Ahmose I (circa 1570-1546 BC). Steatite scarab (19x15mm). Base engraved with the name of “Ahmose-Nefertari, born of Iah (the moon god), the beautiful companion.”. Cf. Petrie XXIII, 13-14. Intact with the name neatly carved and clear, once glazed, pierced for mounting. Rare.

From the David Hendin Collection.

Ahmose-Nefertari was the daughter of King Tao II, ruling at the end of the 17th Dynasty, and Queen Ahotep I. She was at the same time royal sister and Great royal wife of King Ahmose I, the first Pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty and the New Kingdom. She was also the mother of King Amenhotep I and of two, and perhaps three, queens.

She lived a long life and died at the beginning of Tuthmosis I reign. Her body was discovered in the 19th century and unwrapped in 1885 by Emile Brugsch. Her mummy was apparently smelling so badly that Brugsch had it reburied on museum grounds in Cairo.