Ancient Egyptian Soapstone. Ex-useum. Amulet

Ancient Egyptian Steatite Scarab Amulet from the Hyksos Period. Scarab amulet. 18 mm long. Ex-museum.

Ancient Egyptian scarab amulet, attributed to the Second Intermediate Period, 15th Dynasty / Hyksos period, ca. 1650–1530 BCE.

The scarab is made of steatite/soapstone and measures approximately 18–20 mm in length. The top shows the recognizable form of a beetle with incised details on the dorsal carapace. The underside bears engraved Egyptian motifs/ hieroglyph-like decoration. On the side there is a pierced hole, as is common for scarabs worn as amulets or seals.

In Ancient Egypt, the scarab held an important symbolic meaning. The beetle was associated with Khepri, the god of the rising sun, rebirth, and creative power. Scarabs were worn as protective amulets against evil and misfortune, but they also carried a strong funerary meaning: they symbolized renewal, resurrection, and eternal life.

The object has an authentic ancient appearance with clear wear, small damage, and signs of age, appropriate for the great age of the piece. The engravings are still visible and the object presents well as a small collectible within Egyptian archaeology.

Specifications

Culture: Ancient Egyptian
Period: Second Intermediate Period, 15th Dynasty / Hyksos period
Dating: ca. 1650–1530 BCE
Object: Scarab amulet / seal amulet
Material: Steatite / soapstone
Dimensions: approx. 18–20 mm long
Condition: Ancient condition with wear, signs of use and damage
Provenance: Collection of Fundació Catalana per a l’Arqueologia Ibèrica, Catalonia, exhibited until 2021; previously Madrid art market, 1990s
Documentation: Includes certificate of authenticity and Spanish export license / EU passport, if available as mentioned

Additional note

The scarab was in Ancient Egypt a powerful symbol of protection, life, and rebirth. During life such an amulet was worn as protection against visible and invisible dangers. In death the scarab gained a spiritual meaning as a symbol of resurrection and access to the afterlife.

Short auction text

Ancient Egyptian steatite scarab from the Second Intermediate Period / Hyksos period, ca. 1650–1530 BCE. Small amulet of about 18–20 mm with incised beetle form and decoration on the underside. Antique condition with clear signs of age and damage. Originating from a former museum collection in Catalonia, with provenance stated from the Madrid art market of the 1990s.