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. Horus was one of the oldest and most significant Ancient Egyptian gods, most notably acting as the god of kingship, healing and the sun.
Ancient Egyptian Steatite Scarab with Hieroglyphs
£ 300.00
A fine Ancient Egyptian steatite scarab with hieroglyphs. The head and clypeus are clearly identifiable and the stylised legs are represented with incisions and vertical hatching along the sides of the scarab. The prothorax and elytra are further decorated with symmetrical incised curls. The flat base features a series of hieroglyphs. Two red crowns of lower Egypt known as Deshret (𓋔), flank the central composition: Horus as a falcon (𓅃) wearing the double crown of Egypt, the Pschent (𓋖) surrounded by a number of stylised hieroglyphs. The longitudinal perforation through the body would have allowed the scarab to be strung and worn with ease. There is some chipping to the base of the scarab.
Period: Second Intermediate Period
Provenance: Ex Mustaki Collection, early 20th century, UK
Condition: Good. Some chipping to the base of the scarab
In stock
| Weight | 2.61 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | L 2 x W 1.3 x H 0.8 cm |
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