Egyptian Blue-Glazed ScarabAn ancient Egyptian steatite scarab with blue glaze, inscribed on the base with two ankhs (life) three nefer signs (well being) and one nub sign (gold). New Kingdom. 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. cf.: P. E. Newberry, Egyptian Scarabs, (London, 1906), pl. XX, no. 9. Formerly in an old German private collection. Inv#: 8287 SoldGuaranteed Authentic |
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