Scarab (front)

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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 dark green stone dates from around 1295 to 1069 BC.

The scarab is a particular type called a heart scarab. The carving on the front outlines the features of the dung beetle.

Heart scarabs were amulets, placed in the bandages of mummies. They were symbolic of the heart of the dead person. Most were carved with a chapter of the Book of the Dead on the base.

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• Online ID: 000-190-002-020-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1965.209
• Date: New Kingdom, 19th - 20th Dynasty
  New Kingdom: 19th or 20th Dynasty (around 1295 to 1069 BC)
  
• Material: Scarab
  
• Dimensions: 46mm L
  
• What: Scarab
  
• Subject: Scarabs
  
• Who: workman Meryt (owner)
  
• Where: Ancient Egypt
  
• Event:
• Description: Scarab, dark green stone, incised on base with the heart spell (30B) from the Book of the Dead in favour of the workman Meryt: Ancient Egyptian, New Kingdom, 19th - 20th Dynasty
  
• References:
• Translations:
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