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 dates from the 2nd Intermediate Period (around 1759 to 1539 BC).

This picture shows the base of the scarab. It was incised with a decorative pattern of zigzags flanking a panel of hook shapes.

Scarabs were made in various materials, with glazed steatite the most common. They first appeared at the end of the Old Kingdom (around 2650 to 2150 BC), but did not become common until the Middle Kingdom (around 2007 to 1759 BC).

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Online ID:	000-190-004-319-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland A.1921.1082
Date:	2nd Intermediate Period 2nd Intermediate Period (around 1759 to 1539 BC)
Material:
Dimensions:	0.63" L
What:
Subject:	Scarabs
Who:
Where:	Ancient Egypt
Event:
Description:	Scarab in glazed steatite, with a decorative pattern of zigzags incised on the base: Ancient Egyptian, 2nd Intermediate Period
References:
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