An Exceptional Egyptian lapis scarboid pendant, Middle Kingdom, Dynasty 11- 12, ca. 2040 - 1786 BCE Sculpture - Stone This substantial rotary grinding stone

This substantial rotary grinding stone is carved from speckled grano-diorite

and black highlighting eyes and brows

"The History of Beads: from 10

and painting in iron- and kaolin-rich pigments that fire to warm reds

may explain the ritual interment of ceramic or actual dogs

An Exceptional Egyptian lapis scarboid pendant, Middle Kingdom, Dynasty 11- 12, ca. 2040 - 1786 BCE Sculpture - Stone This substantial rotary grinding stoneFew surviving pieces of Egyptian jewelry combine rarity, beauty, and provenance as compellingly as this exceptional lapis lazuli scaraboid. Carved from a rare, richly colored stone of deep cobalt blue, the scaraboid would originally have served as the centerpiece of an elegant Middle Kingdom swivel ring, one of the most sophisticated forms of personal adornment produced by Egyptian goldsmiths. The cowrie shaped lapis is preserved within its original