An Ancient Egyptian steatite scarab decorated with hieroglyphs on the reverse. Careful attention has been given to depict the clypeus and head. The prothorax and elytra are divided by single lines, with two ‘V’s descending from the dissecting prothorax line to form the humeral callosities. The folded legs are represented with deep incisions along the sides of the scarab. The space underneath the fold of the legs is hollow creating an open-work effect. The reverse features a hieroglyphic inscription composed of a seated figure, possibly a deity holding a uraeus, a nefer symbol to the right and a neb basket underneath. The scarab has been perforated longitudinally for suspension. Earthly encrustations to the surface. Signs of wear as consistent with its age. Please note this is a small scarab, measurements have been included below. The scarab beetle was an exceedingly popular symbol in the art of Ancient Egypt, thought to represent the sun god, Ra. The Ancient Egyptians believed that the scarab beetle rolling its ball of dung across the desert mirrored the journey of the sun across the sky from day to night. As the beetle laid its eggs within the dung, it became a symbol of rebirth and regeneration. Measurements: (circa) L 0.8cm x W 0.6cm x H 0.5cm Provenance: Ex Prince collection, 1990s-2014; Ex. Private collection 1970s-1990s.