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 comes from Tanis in Egypt. It dates from the New Kingdom (around 1539 to 1069 BC).

This picture shows the base of the scarab. It has been inscribed with figures of two gods embracing, possibly the gods Thoth and Sobk. Thoth was the god of wisdom and vizier of the sun god Re.

Religious and secular life were intertwined in ancient Egypt. A large number of gods and goddesses were worshipped by the ancient Egyptians. There were national and local deities, gods for specific tasks or places and gods of nature, people or royal households.

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Online ID:	000-190-004-283-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland A.1887.81.16
Date:	New Kingdom New Kingdom (around 1539 to 1069 BC)
Material:
Dimensions:	0.94" L
What:	Scarab
Subject:	Scarabs
Who:
Where:	Ancient Egypt, Tanis
Event:
Description:	Scarab, glazed steatite, inscribed with figures of two deities embracing, possibly the gods Thoth and Sobk: Ancient Egyptian, from Tanis, New Kingdom
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