Scarab with the Representation of a Fish

Scarab with the Representation of a Fish

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Although the ancient Egyptians paid attention to detail when depicting fish on the walls of tombs and temples, it is not always possible to identify the species incised on seal-amulets. The fish is a popular theme on New Kingdom scarabs, especially during Dynasty 18 (ca. 1550–1295 B.C.). It is often assumed that these represent the well-known Nile tilapia, the fish which was a symbol of fertility and rebirth. New Kingdom scarabs show the fish with lotus flowers or buds coming from its mouth, or paired with another sign or symbol. Here, it may be a harpoon or fishing spear.

Egyptian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Scarab with the Representation of a FishScarab with the Representation of a FishScarab with the Representation of a FishScarab with the Representation of a FishScarab with the Representation of a Fish

The Met collection of ancient Egyptian art consists of approximately 30,000 objects of artistic, historical, and cultural importance, dating from about 300,000 BCE to the 4th century CE. A signifcant percentage of the collection is derived from the Museum's three decades of archaeological work in Egypt, initiated in 1906 in response to increasing interest in the culture of ancient Egypt.