Ancient Egyptian Steatite Scarab with Geometric Design

£ 235.00

A fine steatite Egyptian scarab beetle amulet with an incised geometric motif to the reverse. The obverse features a protruding head and incised notched legs accentuated with even vertical strokes. The elytra has been left free of markings while the clypeus has been incised. The reverse features a large floral motif, with scroll patterns decorating each quadrant. The scarab is pierced longitudinally for suspension; however, it is now blocked. Minor chipping to the centre of the elytra and along the rim of the base. chipping around the base of the of the scarab. A crack extends along the right side from the top perforation.

Date: Circa 1981–1295 BC
Period: Middle Kingdom - New Kingdom
Provenance: Ex Mustaki Collection, early 20th century, UK.
Condition: Good condition. Some chipping around the base and a crack extending from the top perforation.

In stock

SKU: CFF-112 Category: Tags: ,

The scarab beetle was an exceedingly popular symbol in the art of Ancient Egypt, thought to represent the sun god, Ra. The Ancient Egyptians 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.

To find out more about Ancient Egyptian amulets please see our relevant blog post: Egyptian Amulets and their Meanings.

Weight 0.96 g
Dimensions L 1.4 x W 0.9 x H 0.5 cm
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