EGYPTIAN STEATITE SCARAB Ca. 1700 - 1550 BC. An Ancient Egyptian scarab from the Hyksos period, made of steatite. Only the head of the scarab is depicted while the beginnings of the wings are faintly demarcated. On the other side of the scarab, there are hieroglyphic inscriptions, including two semi-cartouches with a djed-sign (for "endurance") and a combination of Anra-signs (representing a magical omen). The "cartouches" are surrounded by the inscriptions sa (for "protection"), neb (basket), and nefer (for "luck"). Size: L:20mm / W:12mm ; 2.48g. Provenance: From the collection of a London gentleman; formerly acquired in the early 2000s; previously in 1970s UK collection.