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 Tell Defeuneh or Nebesheh in Egypt dates from the Late Period (between 664 and 337 BC).

This picture shows the base of the scarab. It has been inscribed with an opposed pair of crocodiles.

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).

Record details

To search on related items, click any linked text below.

Online ID:	000-190-004-285-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland A.1887.82.12
Date:	Late Period Late Period (between 664 and 337 BC)
Material:
Dimensions:	0.44" L
What:	Scarab
Subject:	Scarabs
Who:
Where:	Ancient Egypt, Tell Defeuneh or Nebesheh
Event:
Description:	Scarab, glazed steatite, inscribed with an opposed pair of crocodiles: Ancient Egyptian, from Tell Defeuneh or Nebesheh, Late Period
References:
Translations:
Related Records:

< 1 of 1 > Back