scarabs

Ancient Egyptian amulets

Scarabs are beetles of the family Scarabaeidae, which includes dung beetles and June bugs.

The term most often refers to the sacred scarab of ancient Egypt, where the dung-rolling beetle became a powerful symbol of the sun god and regeneration.

Ancient Egyptians carved scarab-shaped amulets from stone or faience, often inscribing them with hieroglyphs and placing them with mummies.

The museum's collection includes several carved scarabs from the New Kingdom period.

egyptology

amulet

Worn protective token

hieroglyphAncient Egyptian picture-writing symbol
cartoucheOval framing royal hieroglyphs
pharaohAncient Egyptian ruler

tomb · mummy · resurrection · afterlife · talisman · faience · lapis lazuli · carnelian · sarcophagus · Book of the Dead

entomology

dung beetle

Insect feeding on feces

carapaceProtective dorsal exoskeleton
elytraHardened forewings of beetles
antennaeSensory appendages on insects

mandibles · thorax · exoskeleton · larvae · metamorphosis · nocturnal · iridescent · chitin · abdomen · burrowing

symbolism

rebirth

Spiritual or physical regeneration

transformationThorough change in form
resurrectionRevival from death
immortalityExemption from death

renewal · creation · dawn · solar · cyclical · eternity · regeneration · divine · sacred · mythology

jewelry

brooch

Decorative fastening ornament

pendantSuspended jewelry ornament
ringClosed curve shape
amuletWorn protective token

gemstone · gold · turquoise · enamel · Victorian · antique · setting · bezel · carved · ornament

scarabs

amulet

dung beetle

rebirth

brooch

scarabs

Opposites

Phrases

Categories

Family