; Date(s): about -3000 - about -2500; Classification(s): figure, figurine, carved; Acquisition: given by Egyptian Research Account, 1898 [E.11.1898]
Description: Stone figure of a scorpion. 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). Scopions 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. This type of stone is called steatite and was only used for smaller scale objects such as this. It is a soft stone and easy to carve.
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