Scarab

Add to album

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 the 2nd Intermediate Period (around 1759 to 1539 BC).

This picture shows the back of the scarab. It was incised with a loop pattern.

Scarabs were often placed within the wrappings of a mummy or included in the items of personal ornament that would adorn the deceased. They ensured the deceased's resurrection. Some scarabs were also worn by people to protect them or bring them luck.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-190-004-284-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1887.81.44
• Date: 2nd Intermediate Period
  2nd Intermediate Period (around 1759 to 1539 BC)
  
• Material:
• Dimensions: 0.56" L
  
• What:
• Subject: Scarabs
  
• Who:
• Where: Ancient Egypt, Tanis
  
• Event:
• Description: Scarab, green-glazed steatite, incised with a loop pattern: Ancient Egyptian, from Tanis, 2nd Intermediate Period
  
• References:
• Translations:
• Related Records: