The Egyptian scarab was associated in ancient Egypt with the generative forces of the rising sun and with the concepts of eternal renewal.
Reproduced after an original in Egyptian Museum, Cairo. New Kingdom, 1550-1196 B.C.
Made from bonded stone, soapstone black finish with a white wash
Measures 4.75 in L x 3 in W x 2.5 in H. Weighs 1.3 lbs
Finishes: Black Soapstone (E-041K), Gold and Color (E-041GP), Color (E-041SP).
The beetle is known for coming out of the sand backwards dragging its ball of dung behind it along the ground before depositing it in underground tunnels as a source of food for its larvae, therefore symbolizing the sun's daily journey across the heavens from East to West. Scarabs thus became potent amulets and were often placed upon the breasts of mummies in the position of the heart as a symbol of new life. They were usually inscribed with part of chapter 30 of the Book of the Dead.
