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 which has also been painted dates from the 2nd Intermediate Period or the New Kingdom (around 1759 to 1069 BC).

This picture shows the base of the scarab. It was incised with a coil and neb-sign. It is chipped on one side.

Scarabs were an important symbol in ancient Egyptian religion. They are in the shape of dung beetles, often portrayed naturalistically. Scarabs were symbolic of the enduring human soul. As a result, they often appear with spread wings in art associated with the dead.

Record details

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

Online ID:	000-190-004-320-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland A.1921.1083
Date:	2nd Intermediate Period 2nd Intermediate Period or the New Kingdom (around 1759 to 1069 BC)
Material:
Dimensions:	0.38" L
What:
Subject:	Scarabs
Who:
Where:	Ancient Egypt
Event:
Description:	Scarab, steatite greeen-glazed and painted, incised on base with hieroglyphic motif: Ancient Egyptian, 2nd Intermediate Period or New Kingdom
References:
Translations:
Related Records:

< 1 of 1 > Back