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 winged scarab made of faience dates from the Late Period (between 664 to 337 BC).

The body of the scarab is pierced by six holes, and the wings by three holes along the outer edges. The features of the beetle are outlined, and the feathering of the wings marked by spots and lines.

In Egyptian religion, scarabs were symbolic of the enduring human soul. As a result, they often appear with spread wings in art associated with the dead. Winged scarabs were sometimes placed on the breasts of mummies.

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• Online ID: 000-100-104-568-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1965.215 B
• Date: Late Period
  Late Period
  Late Period
  Late Period (between 664 and 337 BC)
  
• Material: Wing of a scarab
  Wing of a scarab
  
• Dimensions: 64 mm L
  
• What: Wing of a scarab
  Wing of a scarab
  
• Subject: Scarabs
  Scarabs
  Scarabs
  
• Who:
• Where: Ancient Egypt
  Ancient Egypt
  Ancient Egypt
  
• Event:
• Description: Winged scarab in blue-green faience with a plain base: Ancient Egyptian, Late Period
  One of a pair of wings for a winged scarab in blue-green faience with a plain base: Ancient Egyptian, Late Period
  One of a pair of wings for a winged scarab in blue-green faience with a plain base: Ancient Egyptian, Late Period
  
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