The scarab beetle was an exceedingly popular symbol in the art of Ancient Egypt, thought to represent the sun god, Ra. The ancient Egyptian believed that the scarab beetle rolling its ball of dung across the desert mirrored the journey of the sun across the sky from day to night. As the beetle laid its eggs within the dung, it became a symbol of rebirth and regeneration, these scarab beetles, thus catered for different functions. Many scarabs have been found inside the wrappings of mummies to ensure a safe journey to the afterlife, but they were also used by the living for protection or in order to have their wishes granted. While hieroglyphs on a scarab could be used to convey a message or a wish, signs were also chosen as a form of embellishment for their positive or protective meaning.
Steatite also known as soapstone, was one of the oldest stones used by ancient Egyptian civilisation, used in both Predynastic and Dynastic periods. In its natural state steatite is a very soft stone, meaning that it can very easily be worked with even the most basic of tools to create very fine results. However, once fired, steatite would become very hard wearing and resistant to damage, whilst still retaining its carved detailing, making it an ideal material for amulets, beads, seals, and smaller statues.
Ancient Egyptian Gold ring with Steatite Scarab
£ 750.00
An excellent modern gold ring with an Ancient Egyptian scarab which is dated back to the 12th Dynasty during the reign of Queen Neferusobek, the first female Pharaoh to rule Egypt in her own right. The modern band and ‘traditional’ style setting of the ring are made from delicately worked 14 kt gold which holds the steatite scarab. The obverse of the scarab feature detailed etchings of diagonal grooves to define the elytra alongside two further renderings atop of the head to represent the eyes. The scarab is pierced longitudinally suggesting that at some pointed the piece would have acted as an amulet. The reverse of the scarab is uncovered and reveals a number of apotropaic hieroglyphs arranged symmetrically, which include; two ankhs (𓋹) which represent life, in between is the symbol of nfr (𓄤) which can be translated to good or beautiful. Atop of the ankhs are two baskets (𓎟). The top row features two sedge’s (𓇓) which are used to represent upper Egypt, with a papyrus stem (𓇅) placed in between which represents youth. It was not un-common for decorative scarabs such as this to feature hieroglyphs which did not form sentences, but rather, words of good omen or friendly wishes.
There is a hallmark on the inside of the band indicating the carat amount.
Closest UK Ring Size: R
Period: First Intermediate Period, 12th Dynasty
Provenance: From a Dorset collection, 1970's acquired from Miss M.A. Murray, British School of Archeology, Egypt, 1902
Condition: Excellent condition. Minor scratching and discolouration to the top of the scarab consistent with age.
In stock
| Weight | 3.4 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | L 2.7 x W 2 cm |
| Culture | |
| Metal | |
| Region | |
| Stone |
You may also like…
- View product This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
- View product
- View product
- View product
