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 of glazed steatite was found at Gaza in Palestine. It dates from the 2nd Intermediate Period or early New Kingdom (around 1759 to 1295 BC).

This picture shows the back of the scarab. It has been incised with a motif probably showing a ram mounting a ewe.

The people in the eastern delta of Egypt and southern Palestine had close links with each other, both personal and trading. In addition, Egypt provided refuge to Palestinians in times of trouble. Many servants and labourers in Egypt came from Palestine and Syria.

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• Online ID: 000-100-104-594-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1938.276
• Date: 2nd Intermediate Period or early New Kingdom (around 1759 to 1295 BC)
  2nd Intermediate Period, 15th - 16th Dynasty
  
• Material:
• Dimensions: 0.75" L
  
• What:
• Subject: Scarabs
  
• Who:
• Where: Ancient Egypt, Palestine, Gaza
  Anthedon
  
• Event:
• Description: Scarab, glazed steatite, incised on base with motif probably showing a ram mounting a ewe; Palestinian, from Gaza, Ancient Egyptian, 2nd Intermediate Period or early New Kingdom
  
• References:
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