The scarab beetle is one of the most iconic symbols of ancient Egyptian culture, often appearing in their art, religion, and jewelry. However, while scarabs were indeed central to Egyptian ornamentation, their jewelry rarely, if ever, incorporated actual beetle shells. Instead, the scarab's symbolic meaning was artfully represented in various materials.
Did Egyptians Use Scarab Shells in Jewelry?
The Symbolism of the Scarab
The scarab beetle, specifically the species Scarabaeus sacer (dung beetle), symbolized rebirth, creation, and the eternal cycle of life. Ancient Egyptians observed how the beetle rolled dung into a ball to lay its eggs, associating this act with the sun god Ra rolling the sun across the sky. Thus, the scarab became a potent emblem of regeneration and protection.
What Stones Were Used In Ancient Egyptian Jewelry?
