An Egyptian steatite scarab covered with a turquoise glaze, featuring incised anatomical detailing depicting eyes on the top of the body and legs on the side. The underside features a striding animal, possibly a feline. The amulet is pierced longitudinally for suspension. Earthly encrustations to the surface. The scarab beetle was an exceedingly popular symbol in the art of Ancient Egypt, thought to represent the sun god, Ra. 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. The use of carnelian as a material also linked to the sun god, Ra, as the stone’s fiery colour was connected to the solar cult. Measurements: Length~1.5cm, Width~1.1cm, Height~0.6cm Provenance: Ex-AH collection of scarabs, London 1980-2000's.