Object Description
Hyksos Period, Ca. 1630-1523 BC
An Egyptian steatite scarab encased in a possibly later, high-karat gold swivel ring. The scarab is longitudinally pierced and set within a gold frame and with features, such as the clypeus and prothorax, marked by single lines. The underside is incised with six sacred serpents, representing divine authority. The ring has a simple D-shaped design with delicate coils on its shoulders and an embellished border around the scarab. This item has been checked against the Art Loss Register database.
The scarab amulet is an especially popular type, believed to transfer the powers of life and regeneration. This is because the scarab beetle was believed to generate itself spontaneously in the ground, and its behavior of rolling large dung balls was associated with the sun’s daily movement across the sky.
Size: D: 21.59mm / US: 12 1/4 / UK: Y ; 6g