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Scarab

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Postcard of Scarab.
000-190-004-252-C
© National Museums Scotland

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 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.


Record details

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Online ID: 000-190-004-252-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: 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:
Translations:
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