An ancient Egyptian steatite scarab with an intricately inscribed base bearing a figure of Maat, vulture, and other signs.
New Kingdom.
Ca. 1570-1070 BC.
15 mm.
Intact, once glazed blue or green, now white.
The ancient Egyptians believed the Scarabeus Beetle was able to spontaneously regenerate itself from cow dung, which these beetles can be observed rolling into small balls and burying. Consequently the scarab came to symbolize a spontaneous continuation of the life cycle. These finely carved amulets were worn in life and in necklaces around the mummy. Often the bases were inscribed with symbols or "words of power," intended to magically invigorate the wearer.
Formerly in the collection of Rev. George Denis Nash (1866-1943); with Spink & Son, London, 1960; collection of Edward Downe, New York, 1962-2002.
GUARANTEED AUTHENTIC
Inv.#: 2630
$200
Egyptian Inscribed Steatite Scarab
HIXENBAVGH
ANCIENT ART
