Scarab, Ancient Egyptian culture. Late Antiquity, 664

Scarab, Ancient Egyptian culture. Late Antiquity, 664 - 323 BC.
Fayenza.
Provenance: Private collection M. L. Toulouse, France.
Measurements :6 cm (length).
Egyptian scarab carved in round burst in Fayenza. In ancient Egypt the scarab was associated with the god Jepri in the form of Ra, i.e. the rising sun. Because it was believed that scarabs were self-reproducing without the need for the female gender. For this reason it was considered a symbol of transformation and resurrection.
Scarabs were usually carved from green stone and placed on the chest of the deceased to protect the heart and replace it during mummification. The purpose of the 'heart scarab' was to ensure that the heart would not testify against the deceased at the judgement of the dead. Another possibility is suggested by the words of transformation in the Sarcophagus Texts, which state that the soul of the deceased can transform itself into a human, a god, or a bird and reappear in the world of the living.