Scarab

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 Tell el-Yahudiyeh in Egypt and dates from the 1st Intermediate Period (around 2150 to 2007 BC).

This picture shows the base of the scarab. It has been incised with a human hand.

Scarabs were an important symbol in ancient Egyptian religion. They are in the shape of dung beetles, often portrayed naturalistically. Scarabs were symbolic of the enduring human soul. As a result, they often appear with spread wings in art associated with the dead.

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Online ID:	000-190-004-287-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland A.1888.19 C
Date:	1st Intermediate Period 1st Intermediate Period (around 2150 to 2007 BC)
Material:
Dimensions:	0.56" L
What:
Subject:	Scarabs
Who:
Where:	Ancient Egypt, Tell el Yahudiyeh
Event:
Description:	Scarab, glazed steatite, incscribed with a human hand: Ancient Egyptian, from Tell el-Yahudiyeh, 1st Intermediate Period
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