Scarab (base)

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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 steatite is from Gaza in Palestine. It dates from 2nd Intermediate Period or early New Kingdom (around 1759 to 1295 BC).

This picture shows the base of the scarab. It has been incised with a hieroglyphic motif imitating a royal name.

Carvings on the bases of scarabs include spiral designs, officials' names, friendly wishes or mottoes referring to places or gods. Historically, the most valuable scarabs are those which have royal names. These appear from the 11th Dynasty to the Late Period.

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• Online ID: 000-190-002-223-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1938.266
• Date: 2nd Intermediate Period
  2nd Intermediate Period or early New Kingdom (around 1759 to 1295 BC)
  
• Material: Scarab
  
• Dimensions: 0.50" L
  
• What: Scarab
  
• Subject: Scarabs
  
• Who:
• Where: Ancient Egypt, Gaza
  Anthedon
  
• Event:
• Description: Scarab, steatite, incised on base with hieroglyphic motif imitating a royal name: Palestinian, from Gaza, Ancient Egyptian, 2nd Intermediate Period or early New Kingdom
  
• References:
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