Scarab

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 winged scarab made of faience dates from the Late Period (between 664 to 337 BC).

The body of the scarab is pierced by six holes, and the wings by two holes along each leading edge and one at the root of the trailing edge. The naturalistic details of the beetle are outlined, as is the feathering on the wings.

In Egyptian religion, scarabs were symbolic of the enduring human soul. As a result, they often appear with spread wings in art associated with the dead. Winged scarabs were sometimes placed on the breasts of mummies.

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Online ID:	000-100-104-564-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland A.1956.53 B
Date:	Late Period Late Period (between 664 and 337 BC)
Material:
Dimensions:
What:	Wing of a scarab
Subject:	Scarabs
Who:
Where:	Ancient Egypt
Event:
Description:	One of a pair of wings with a winged scarab in deep blue faience with a flat underside: Ancient Egyptian, Late Period
References:
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