Scarabs

The scarab, shaped like the dung beetle, was the most popular amulet in ancient Egypt. The image of such beetles rolling their balls of dung was associated by the Egyptians with the sun god rolling the sun disk in heaven. Representing Khepri – the morning sun – the scarab symbolized the daily rebirth of the sun and thus became a principal icon of regeneration. Most scarabs have flat bases decorated with protective symbols, images, or inscriptions. When they were first mass-produced in Egypt, they were used as amulets as well as seals. Nevertheless, the primary function of these objects remained magical, their purpose being to ensure divine protection in the world of the living and in the realm of the dead.

Credit: Gift of Dr. Kurt Stern, London