Scarab (base)

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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 example of glazed steatite dates from around 1937 to 1641 BC.

This picture shows the base of the scarab. It has been incised with a decoration based on a Hathor head.

A large number of gods and goddesses were worshipped by the ancient Egyptians. The goddess Hathor was responsible for women and children. She wore a sun disc with cow's horns.

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• Online ID: 000-190-004-254-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1921.1092
• Date: Middle Kingdom, 12th - 13th Dynasty
  Middle Kingdom: 12th or 13th Dynasty (around 1937 to 1641 BC)
  
• Material: Scarab
  
• Dimensions: 0.50" L
  
• What: Scarab
  
• Subject: Scarabs
  
• Who: Hathor
  
• Where: Ancient Egypt
  
• Event:
• Description: Scarab in green glazed steatite, incised on the base with a decoration based on Hathor head: Ancient Egyptian, Middle Kingdom, 12th - 13th Dynasty
  
• References:
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