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Funerary scarab
Egyptian
Late Period, Dynasty 25–31
760–332 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Faience
Dimensions
Length x width: 5.7 x 3.8 cm (2 1/4 x 1 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Hay Collection—Gift of C. Granville Way
Accession Number72.1068
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsTomb equipment – Mummy trappings
DescriptionThis faience funerary scarab retains very slight traces of blue glaze, though much of the original finish has worn away. It has a smooth back with wide incised lines to define body, head, and wing components very generally. The base is flat and undecorated. It is pierced twice in each side for attachment to mummy wrappings and/or attachment of additional components in the shape of wings. It is in heavily worn 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)