Scarab

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A scarab is an ancient Egyptian amulet in the form of a dung beetle, symbolic of regeneration. As time went on, scarabs developed into use as personal seals. This example made of faience dates from around 1295 to 1069 BC.

The scarab is a particular type called a heart scarab. It has an oval base-plate perforated with six holes for attachment to mummy wrappings. The right side at the rear is chipped. The glassy faience imitates the blue gemstone lapis lazuli.

Heart scarabs were amulets, placed in the bandages of mummies. They were symbolic of the heart of the dead person. Most were carved with a chapter of the Book of the Dead on the base.

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• Online ID: 000-100-104-518-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1956.51
• Date: New Kingdom, 19th - 20th Dynasty
  New Kingdom: 19th or 20th Dynasty (around 1295 to 1069 BC)
  
• Material:
• Dimensions: 57 mm L
  
• What:
• Subject: Scarabs
  
• Who:
• Where: Ancient Egypt
  
• Event:
• Description: Heart scarab in blue glassy faience imitating lapis lazuli, with an oval base plate: Ancient Egyptian, New Kingdom, 19th - 20th Dynasty
  
• References:
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