Unknown Maker, Egyptian

Scarab
Now On View

Maker

Unknown Maker, Egyptian

Culture

Egyptian

Title

Scarab

Period

Ptolemaic Period

Year

332-30 BCE

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

gold, enamel

Dimensions

3.2 x 2.2 cm (1 1/4 x 7/8 inches)

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Gift of Mrs. Murray S. Danforth

Object Number

32.242

Type

Exhibition History

Ancient Egyptian Galleries
Jun 10, 2014

Label copy

The Egyptians understood the sun god to manifest himself in multiple forms, chiefly those of Re during the day, the ram-headed Atum in the evening, and the scarab beetle Khepri at dawn. During the sun's daily journey across the sky he grew old and weary, then was rejuvenated overnight and reborn-young and strong-at sunrise.

Scarab amulets were frequently wound into a mummy's bandages to protect the deceased and ensure rebirth. This scarab is made of gold, a metal strongly associated with the sun. The blue enamel symbolizes the life-giving waters of the Nile.

Image use

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Public Domain This object is in the Public Domain and available under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Tombstone

Unknown Maker, Egyptian
Scarab, 332-30 BCE
Gold and enamel
3.2 x 2.2 cm (1 1/4 x 7/8 inches)
Gift of Mrs. Murray S. Danforth 32.242

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