Pierced horizontally for suspension and carved from steatite that has been glazed, with a suture of pronotum separation and naturalistically rendered legs above, the base inscribed with the prenomen of Thutmose III, "Menkheperre, the image of Amun". Mounted in an antique 18K gold ring following ancient design, the bezel designed to swivel by means of two wires that pass through its perforation and then loop at the end of the plain hoop.
In ancient Egypt, many amulets, seals and ornaments were made incorporating scarabs or in the shape of a scarab. The scarab beetle was considered sacred and was personified by Khepri, a sun god associated with resurrection. In this piece, the theme of resurrection is enforced by the green glaze, as in the ancient Egyptian culture the color green represented new life and rebirth.
Condition: The scarab is intact and in excellent condition overall.
Dimensions: US ring size: 8.5 - 9 (UK: Q.5 - R.5, EU: 58 - 59)
Provenance: Private English collection, acquired in the early 1970's
