Art Institute of Chicago

Scaraboid in the Form of a Hedgehog

Egyptian

Date

New Kingdom–Third Intermediate Period (about 1550–664 BCE)

Medium

Steatite

Culture

Egypt

Department

Arts of Africa

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

This amulet’s large, alert ears indicate that it likely represents the long-eared hedgehog ( hemiechinus auritus ), one of two hedgehog species native to North Africa. Despite their small stature, hedgehogs have many defenses against the harsh desert environment that ancient Egyptians admired. They use their spines for protection from predators and have immunity to snake and scorpion venom. Ancient Egyptians may have also associated hedgehogs with cycles of rebirth because they are hibernating animals. This diminutive hedgehog belongs to a type of amulet that scholars call “scaraboids.” Objects like this one derive their name from the beetle-shaped scarab amulets they resemble. Both types of carvings feature inscriptions on their undersides: phrases, names, or images of animals or deities, intended to help bring about good luck and renewal. These patterns could also be used as personal or institutional stamp seals. Ancient Egyptians likely hoped to manifest the hedgehog’s strong qualities themselves by wearing a scaraboid shaped like the animal.

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