Collection Item – Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

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From:UC Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

Name/TitleCopy of an Egyptian Scarab beetle

About this objectThis resin copy of an Egyptian scarab beetle features a hieroglyphic inscription on the base.

The Egyptians saw the scarab as a symbol of renewal and rebirth. Scarab beetles were linked with the sun god Ra, particularly through his personification as Khepri. Scarab beetles are known for the balls of dung they lay their eggs in which was a symbol of the full circle of life and rebirth.

Scarabs were popular amulets and a sign of protection and good luck. Commonly made of stone, the carving was often both an adult and a seal. Inscriptions on the base could range from spiral motifs to official titles to complete mottoes and excerpts from the Book of the Dead.

The amulets were also revered for their magical properties of rejuvenation, for both the living and the deceased. From the time of the New Kingdom (1539-1075 BCE), amulets of scarabs were placed with mummies. Initially they were solely placed on the chest, ver time this grew to placing several around the body. When placed on the chest, they symbolised the heart of the deceased.

Medium and MaterialsPlastic: Resin

Style and IconographyEgyptian (ancient)

Inscription and MarksHieroglyphs on base

TechniqueCasting (process)

Measurements50 x 65 x 95mm

Subject and Association KeywordsAnimals in art

Subject and Association KeywordsArt and religion

Subject and Association KeywordsBirds in art

Subject and Association KeywordsHieroglyphs

Subject and Association KeywordsWriting and art

Named CollectionThe James Logie Memorial Collection, University of Canterbury, New Zealand

Credit LinePurchased.

Object TypeFigurine

Object numberCC37