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 example of dark green serpentine 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, although the base of this one is plain.

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Online ID:	000-100-104-565-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland A.1965.212
Date:	New Kingdom, 19th - 20th Dynasty New Kingdom: 19th or 20th Dynasty (around 1295 to 1069 BC)
Material:
Dimensions:	43 mm L
What:
Subject:	Scarabs
Who:
Where:	Ancient Egypt
Event:
Description:	Heart scarab in dark green serpentine with a plain base: Ancient Egyptian, New Kingdom, 19th - 20th Dynasty
References:
Translations:
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