Scarab

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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 is probably from Palestine. It dates from around 1295 to 1069 BC.

This picture shows the front of the scarab. The carving outlines the features of the dung beetle.

Egyptian scarabs and scaraboids were carried by trade throughout the Mediterranean and into Mesopotamia. Greek and Etruscan imitations are also known.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-004-250-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1921.1069
• Date: New Kingdom, 19th - 20th Dynasty
  New Kingdom: 19th or 20th Dynasty (around 1295 to 1069 BC)
  
• Material:
• Dimensions: 35 mm L
  
• What:
• Subject: Scarabs
  
• Who:
• Where: Ancient Egypt, Palestine
  
• Event:
• Description: Scarab, glazed steatite, incised on base with hieroglyhic motif including sphinx and names of Amun-Re and Thutmose III: Probably Palestinian, Ancient Egyptian, New Kingdom, 19th - 20th Dynasty
  
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