Scarab

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Scarab
Scarab
Datec. 600-570 BCE
MediumProbably steatite, gold
DimensionsOverall: 11/16 × 1/2 × 5/16 in. (1.8 × 1.3 × 0.8 cm)
Credit LineGift of William C. Winslow, Class of 1862
Object number1943.29
On view
DescriptionMany nineteenth century tourists, including Winslow, accidentally and purposefully collected reproductions of antiquities. Antique jewelry dealers often restrung ancient beads or repurposed ancient amulets to better please — or deceive — collectors. Though the scarab on this swivel ring is likely ancient, its mount is modern. (Written by Kayley Boddy ‘22) Scarabs were an important part of ancient Egyptian art and culture and were associated with spontaneous generation, transcendence, renewal, and rebirth. Egyptians observed how scarab beetles pushed balls of dung containing their eggs across the ground until the eggs hatched, and in turn connected this action with the sun’s daily movement across the sky. Consequently, scarab beetles were associated with the two gods responsible for the sun and its movement, Ra and Khepri. In fact, the connection between these gods and scarab beetles was so strong that Khepri is always depicted with a scarab beetle as his head. Scarab beetles became a popular design for amulets beginning in the Old Kingdom (ca. 2686 – 2160 BCE), and eventually were used as stamps and seals engraved with various messages and names. (Written by Christina Naston ‘20) Stone (probably steatite) scarab in gold setting; scarab neatly carved. On bottom, handle is ice-pick shape with grooves on either arm; link in loop at top.
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Additional Details

Alternate Titles Bone Scarab
Bone Scarab in Gold Setting
Scarab
Exhibition History 2011
Clinton, NY. Fred L. Emerson Gallery, Hamilton College. "Learning to Look: Hamilton's Cabinets, Galleries and Museums Past, Present and Future," September 15 - December 16, 2011 (no cat.).
Inscribed Inscription on bottom of scarab
Photo by John Bentham.
Scarab bead
Date: c. 600-570 BCE
Medium: Probably steatite
Object number: 1943.187
Photo by John Bentham.
Scarab bead
Date: c. 600-570 BCE
Medium: Probably steatite
Object number: 1943.188
Photo by John Bentham.
Mold for producing scarabs
Date: c. 600-570 BCE
Medium: Terracotta
Object number: 1943.146.1
Photo by John Bentham.
Scarab
Date: date unknown
Medium: Jadeite
Object number: 1943.186
Photo by John Bentham.
Mold for producing scarabs
Date: c. 600-570 BCE
Medium: Terracotta
Object number: 1943.146.2
Photo by John Bentham.
Mold for producing scarabs
Date: c. 600-570 BCE
Medium: Terracotta
Object number: 1943.146.3
Photo by John Bentham.
Mold for producing scarabs
Date: c. 600-570 BCE
Medium: Terracotta
Object number: 1943.146.4
Photo by John Bentham.
Mold for producing scarabs
Date: c. 600-570 BCE
Medium: Terracotta
Object number: 1943.146.5
Photo by John Bentham.
Mold for producing scarabs
Date: c. 600-570 BCE
Medium: Terracotta
Object number: 1943.146.6
Photo by John Bentham.
Scarab bead
Date: c. 600-570 BCE
Medium: Faience
Object number: 1943.189
Photo by John Bentham.
Scarab bead
Date: c. 600-570 BCE
Medium: Faience
Object number: 1943.153
Photo by John Bentham.
Scarab
Date: c. 600-570 BCE
Medium: Faience
Object number: 1943.179