Scaraboid seal

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A scaraboid is a seal amulet used by the ancient Egyptians. It is similar to a scarab, but lacks the naturalistic details of the dung beetle which were portrayed on scarabs. This example of steatite from Abydos in Egypt dates from around 1539 to 1295 BC.

This picture shows the base of the scaraboid seal. It has been incised with a stylised scorpion.

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: 000-190-004-248-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1910.111.12 A
• Date: New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty
  New Kingdom: 18th Dynasty (around 1539 to 1295 BC)
  
• Material:
• Dimensions: 0.47" L
  
• What:
• Subject: Scarabs
  
• Who:
• Where: Ancient Egypt, Abydos
  
• Event:
• Description: Scaraboid seal, black steatite, incised on the base with stylised scorpion, and perforated laterally : Ancient Egyptian, from Abydos, New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty
  
• References:
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