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 dates from around 1937 to 1641 BC.

This picture shows the back of the scarab. It has been incised with hieroglyphs reading 'the governor and god's father, Nemkhonsu', within a rope border. The corner is chipped.

Carvings on the bases of scarabs include spiral designs, officials' names, friendly wishes or mottoes referring to places or gods. The inscription shows that this is a private scarab.

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• Online ID: 000-190-004-252-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1921.1071
• Date: Middle Kingdom, 12th - 13th Dynasty
  Middle Kingdom: 12th or 13th Dynasty (around 1937 to 1641 BC)
  
• Material: Inscription: District Governor and Father of the God, Khenemsu
  
• Dimensions: 0.88" L
  
• What:
• Subject: Scarabs
  
• Who: Khenemsu
  
• Where: Ancient Egypt
  
• Event:
• Description: Scarab, glazed steatite, inscribed on base with hieroglyphs reading 'the governor and god's father, Nemkhonsu', within a rope border: Ancient Egyptian, Middle Kingdom, 12th - 13th Dynasty
  
• References:
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