Scarab Finger Ring of an Official ca. 1802–1640 Middle Kingdom Administrative changes during Dynasty 12 lead to an increase in bureaucracy and, subsequently, in the production and use of seals. This is reflected in the beginning of the mass production of scarabs, the most popular shape for amulets, in late Dynasty 12 through Dynasty 13 (ca. 1850-1640 ). Thousands of these late Middle Kingdom scarabs bear the names and titles of officials, who would wear them as amulets, but who could also use them to seal documents, containers or doors. However, the scarabs’ primary function remained

Scarab Finger Ring of an Official ca. 1802–1640 Middle Kingdom Administrative changes during Dynasty 12 lead to an increase in bureaucracy and, subsequently, in the production and use of seals. This is reflected in the beginning of the mass production of scarabs, the most popular shape for amulets, in late Dynasty 12 through Dynasty 13 (ca. 1850-1640 ). Thousands of these late Middle Kingdom scarabs bear the names and titles of officials, who would wear them as amulets, but who could also use them to seal documents, containers or doors. However, the scarabs’ primary function remained that of a protective amulet. Several inscriptions add a funerary epithet to the owner’s name, indicating that the amulet was manufactured after the owner had passed away. This scarab is inscribed for a chamber-keeper named Scarab Finger Ring of an Official. ca. 1802–1640 Green jasper. Middle Kingdom. From Egypt, Memphite Region, Lisht North, south of Tomb of Nakht (493), south cemetery, Pit 453, MMA excavations, 1913–14. Dynasty 13

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