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 is one of several found in a grave at Abydos in Egypt. It dates from around 1641 to 1539 BC.

This picture shows the base of the scarab. It has been incised with two badly formed hieroglyphs. Egyptian hieroglyphs were pictures representing objects or sounds. They were sacred symbols, and closely linked to religion.

Scarabs were often placed within the wrappings of a mummy or included in the items of personal ornament that would adorn the deceased. They ensured the deceased's resurrection. Some scarabs were also worn by people to protect them or bring them luck.

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• Online ID: 000-100-104-591-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1922.403 B
• Date: 2nd Intermediate Period, 17th Dynasty
  2nd Intermediate Period: 17th Dynasty (around 1641 to 1539 BC)
  
• Material:
• Dimensions: 0.56" L
  
• What:
• Subject: Scarabs
  
• Who:
• Where: Ancient Egypt, Abydos
  
• Event:
• Description: Scarab of green-glazed steatite, with two ill-formed hieroglyphs incised on the base: Ancient Egyptian, from Abydos, 2nd Intermediate Period, 17th Dynasty
  
• References:
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