The 3D model recreates the ancient Egyptian scarab seal of Yaqub-Har, a Hyksos ruler from the Second Intermediate Period around 1700 BCE, featuring a detailed steatite scarab. with his royal cartouche inscribed on the flat base. This model includes a faithful reconstruction of the accompanying signet ring, depicting the seal as it would have been mounted for use. In ancient Egyptian phonetics, the consonants “R” and “L” were interchangeable, allowing “Yaqub-Har” to also render as “Yaqub-El”, reflecting Hebrew influences in the Goshen part of the Nile Delta.
A key mud bulla with the name Yaqub-Har was found by Manfred Bietak at Tell el-Dabʿa (Avaris) in the Nile Delta, in the remains of a Middle Bronze Age Hyksos palace, roughly dated around the 17th century BCE.
According to the Bible, The Pharaoh of this period gave to the Patriarch Jacob this region of Goshen to live. “The land of Egypt is at your disposal. Have your father and your brothers dwell in the very best part of the land. Let them dwell in the land of Goʹshen.” Genesis 47:6
Model Features
- High-fidelity scarab textured, optimized for 3D printing in steatite-like materials (OBJ with uvs and textures, and 3FM, FBX, STL, ZTL formats).
- Engraved cartouche on the underside precisely replicating the hieroglyphs for “Yaqub-Har,” with subtle glazing effects in renders.
- Reconstructed ring integration, showing the scarab bezel-mounted on a gold ring, suitable for printing and casting or renderings.
Historical Context
Yaqub-Har seals, including mud bullae, were unearthed at Tel el-Dab’a (Avaris), linking to biblical Yaqub (Jacob) nomenclature and Hyksos trade networks spanning Canaan, Egypt, and Nubia. The name’s dual “Har/El” forms highlight Egyptian-Semitic linguistic fluidity, aiding epigraphic studies in biblical archaeology.
