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Figurine: E.104.1898

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Current Location: Gallery 20

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Description

Fragment of a figure of a scorpion. The tip of the tail is missing and there is surface damage at the front. This example is particularly 'fat' in terms of its body size. One of several found in this temple deposit and possibly a reference to the 'Scorpion King' who ruled before Narmer (the first king whose name we know). Scorpions were also believed to protect as well as threaten. Here, in a royal context it seems more likely that the animal protected the king because of its close association with early Egyptian royalty. Faience is a glazed crushed quartz.

Measurements and weight

Length: 7 cm

Acquisition and important dates

Method of acquisition: Given (1898) by Egyptian Research Account

Dating

Predynastic
Early Dynastic Period
About -3000 - About -2500

Materials used in production

Faïence

Techniques used in production

Mouldmade

References and bibliographic entries

Identification numbers

Accession number: E.104.1898
Primary reference Number: 49661
Oldadmincategory: FG

Audit data

Created: Saturday 6 August 2011 Updated: Friday 18 July 2025

Associated departments & institutions

Owner or interested party: The Fitzwilliam Museum
Associated department: Antiquities

Citation for print

This record can be cited in the Harvard Bibliographic style using the text below:

The Fitzwilliam Museum (2026) "Figurine" Web page available at: https://collection.beta.fitz.ms/id/object/49661 Accessed: 2026-01-12 08:43:10

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{{cite web|url=https://collection.beta.fitz.ms/id/object/49661 |title=Figurine |author=The Fitzwilliam Museum|accessdate=2026-01-12 08:43:10|publisher=The University of Cambridge}}

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