An Ancient Egyptian black hardstone scarab with incised detailing to form a clypeus and a carved head. Prothorax and elytra were left smooth. The underside has been left smooth. The amulet features a shallow circular perforation on each of the four sides. Some encrustations and chipping to the surface consistent with age. 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 dessert 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 1.4cm x W 0.9cm Provenance: EX-AH collection of scarabs, London 1980-2000's.