Egyptian Steatite Scarab Amulet – Circa 1500-500 B.C.

Egyptian Steatite Scarab Amulet – Circa 1500-500 B.C.

22x16mm, 5.49g

Scarabs (beetles) were produced for many centuries and were enormously popular in ancient Egypt, probably due to the religious significance of the Egyptian god Khepri. They were generally intended to be worn or carried by the living as amulets, seal matrices or incorporated in to items of jewellery. Some scarabs were apparently created for political or diplomatic purposes to commemorate or advertise royal achievements. They were typically carved or moulded in the form of a scarab beetle with varying degrees of naturalism but usually at least indicating the head, wing case and legs but with a flat base. The base was usually inscribed with designs and/or hieroglyphs to form an impression seal. Scarabs were usually drilled from end to end to allow them to be strung on a thread or incorporated into a swivel ring.

Ex Mustaki Collection.
Mustaki was an avid collector in the early 20th century and his collection came to the UK under Egyptian licence in 1947. Many of his pieces are in major museums worldwide while some of the commoner items such as this were made available to the private market.