Scarab (base)

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 in black steatite dates from around 1539 to 1295 BC.

This picture shows the base of the scarab. Like most heart scarabs, it has been carved with a chapter from the Book of the Dead.

The Book of the Dead is a collection of texts containing magic formulas and instructions. First compiled and edited in the 16th century BC, other texts were added over the years. They were written on papyrus or other materials, and buried with the deceased to help in the Afterlife.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-190-004-243-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland A.1921.1067
Date:	New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty New Kingdom: 18th Dynasty (around 1539 to 1295 BC)
Material:
Dimensions:	53mm L
What:	Heart scarab
Subject:	Scarabs
Who:	Mery-re (owner)
Where:	Ancient Egypt
Event:
Description:	Heart scarab, black steatite, incised on base with spell 29B from the Book of the Dead, in favour of the brewer (?) Meryre : Ancient Egyptian, New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty
References:
Translations:
Related Records:

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