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 of glazed steatite from Sedment in Egypt dates from around 2135 to 1986 BC.

This picture shows the base of the scarab. It has been incised with two rows of a plant pattern motif.

Carvings on the bases of scarabs include spiral designs, officials' names, friendly wishes or mottoes referring to places or gods. Historically, the most valuable scarabs are those which have royal names. These appear from the 11th Dynasty to the Late Period.

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Online ID:	000-190-004-256-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland A.1921.1601
Date:	1st Intermediate Period, 9th - 10th Dynasty 1st Intermediate Period: 9th or 10th Dynasty (around 2135 to 1986 BC)
Material:
Dimensions:	0.63" L
What:	Scarab
Subject:	Scarabs
Who:
Where:	Ancient Egypt, Sedment Sidmant
Event:
Description:	Scarab in green-glazed steatite, incised with plant-pattern motif on the base: Ancient Egyptian, from Sedment, 1st Intermediate Period, 9th - 10th Dynasty
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