An Ancient Egyptian steatite scarab with very fine incisions to the base depicting two animals, possibly an ibex and a crocodile. The piece has been perforated longitudinally for suspension, however it is now blocked. Some earthly encrustations remain on the surface. Chip to the edge of the base. General signs of deterioration consistent with age. 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. Length: L 2cm x W 1.3 cm Provenance: Ex-AH collection of scarabs, London 1980-2000's.