Egyptian - Scarab with a Cobra and Script Signs - Walters 4261 - Bottom (2)

This steatite scarab has a flat underside with a vertically arranged design in sunk relief. The design depicts a winged cobra with a raised head, shield, and tail, a crossed-line pattern beneath her body, and a sun disc between her wings. The back is incised with deeply incised details. The piece is poorly made and the workmanship is rough.
The scarab functioned as a provider individualized amulet, and was originally mounted or threaded. The amulet should protect its owner and provide the support of Amun.

The Egyptians used winged cobras as protective icons in many different contexts, mostly in combination with royal or divine names or images.