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Funerary scarab
Egyptian
Late Period, Dynasty 25–30
760–332 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Faience
Dimensions
Length x width: 4.7 x 3.1 cm (1 7/8 x 1 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Hay Collection—Gift of C. Granville Way
Accession Number72.3058
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsTomb equipment – Mummy trappings
DescriptionThis funerary faience scarab carries a blue to green-blue glaze. Its back is decorated with somewhat uneven incised lines to define parts of the body and head. The base is flat and without decoration. Small decorative notches have been made in the front curve of the base. Two large notches have been made at the sides and one at the back, possibly to schematically indicate sections of the beetle's legs. The scarab is pierced twice on each side for attachement of additional components shaped as wings, for attachement of the object to mummy wrappings, or both. It is in good condition.
In ancient Egyptian funerary religion, the winged scarab was an image closely associated with the sun-god and a popular symbol of protection and rebirth.
In ancient Egyptian funerary religion, the winged scarab was an image closely associated with the sun-god and a popular symbol of protection and rebirth.
ProvenanceBy 1836: Robert Hay Collection, Linplum, Scotland; 1863: to his son, Robert James Alexander Hay; 1868-1872: Way Collection, Boston (purchased by Samuel A. Way through London dealers Rollin and Feuardent, 27 Haymarket); 1872: given to the MFA by Samuel's son, C. Granville Way. (Accession Date: June 28, 1872)