Egyptian Amethyst Scarab Amulet w/ Electrum Bezel
Ancient Egypt, Middle Kingdom period, 11th to 13th Dynasty, ca. 2130 to 1649 BCE. A stunning scarab amulet of a petite form that is hand-carved from amethyst of a deep purple hue. The topside of the insect bears characteristic features such as a narrow triangular head, retracted legs, and a folded wing carapace, and the underside is smooth and unadorned. A lengthwise-drilled suspension hole still bears a fragment of bronze wire from its original necklace. The base of the scarab fits snugly within an original bezel formed from electrum (75.3% gold) with indentations along the raised rim that correspond with the original bronze wire. A beautiful example of high-quality Egyptian artistry! Size: 0.45" L x 0.3" W x 0.25" H (1.1 cm x 0.8 cm x 0.6 cm); quality of electrum: 75.3% gold, 22.5% silver, 1% copper; total weight: 1.4 grams.
The scarab, beloved in ancient Egypt as a sacred beetle, was an emblem of Khepera, the creator. Given that the word "kepher" can be translated as "creation, existence, being, or becoming," the god Khepera was by extension regarded as the creator of all. Symbolic of resurrection and fertility, carved scarabs served two primary roles: as personal seals to identify the property of the individual whose name was placed upon them, and as amulet possessing spiritual and protective powers. In either case, the scarab was thought to possess immense power. Serving as the owner's signature, the scarab brought about wealth and prosperity during the individual's lifetime. During the afterlife, the scarab was thought to bring about rebirth and eternal life.
Provenance: private Chicago, Illinois, USA collection; ex-private South Kensington, London, UK collection, acquired prior to 1983
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#151920
Condition Report: Bezel is not connected to base of scarab but can be reconnected. Minor abrasions to scarab and bezel, with minor indentations to bezel rim corresponding with original bronze wire, and light softening to some incised details on scarab, otherwise intact and excellent. Nice patina to electrum bezel. Fragment of original bronze wire still within scarab but cannot be removed due to patina and encrustations.
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Ancient Egypt, Middle Kingdom period, 11th to 13th Dynasty, ca. 2130 to 1649 BCE. A stunning scarab amulet of a petite form that is hand-carved from amethyst of a deep purple hue. The topside of the insect bears characteristic features such as a narrow triangular head, retracted legs, and a folded wing carapace, and the underside is smooth and unadorned. A lengthwise-drilled suspension hole still bears a fragment of bronze wire from its original necklace. The base of the scarab fits snugly within an original bezel formed from electrum (75.3% gold) with indentations along the raised rim that correspond with the original bronze wire. A beautiful example of high-quality Egyptian artistry! Size: 0.45" L x 0.3" W x 0.25" H (1.1 cm x 0.8 cm x 0.6 cm); quality of electrum: 75.3% gold, 22.5% silver, 1% copper; total weight: 1.4 grams.
The scarab, beloved in ancient Egypt as a sacred beetle, was an emblem of Khepera, the creator. Given that the word "kepher" can be translated as "creation, existence, being, or becoming," the god Khepera was by extension regarded as the creator of all. Symbolic of resurrection and fertility, carved scarabs served two primary roles: as personal seals to identify the property of the individual whose name was placed upon them, and as amulet possessing spiritual and protective powers. In either case, the scarab was thought to possess immense power. Serving as the owner's signature, the scarab brought about wealth and prosperity during the individual's lifetime. During the afterlife, the scarab was thought to bring about rebirth and eternal life.
Provenance: private Chicago, Illinois, USA collection; ex-private South Kensington, London, UK collection, acquired prior to 1983
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#151920
Condition Report: Bezel is not connected to base of scarab but can be reconnected. Minor abrasions to scarab and bezel, with minor indentations to bezel rim corresponding with original bronze wire, and light softening to some incised details on scarab, otherwise intact and excellent. Nice patina to electrum bezel. Fragment of original bronze wire still within scarab but cannot be removed due to patina and encrustations.
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