from Tanis, Egypt
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 was found at Tanis in Egypt. It dates from around 1759 to 1606 BC.
This picture shows the base of the scarab. The hieroglyphs may possibly give the name of the obscure 13th Dynasty king Montjuemsaf.
Religious and secular life were intertwined in ancient Egypt. The king (known as pharaoh from the time of the New Kingdom) was also considered to be several gods. Objects inscribed with the names of kings could function as amulets, and need not date to their reigns.
To search on related items, click any underlined text below.