The “Winged Scarab” is a symbolic artwork from Ancient Egypt, dating back to the Late Period of Egyptian history, which spans from circa 664 to 332 BC. The scarab beetle was a significant symbol in Ancient Egyptian culture, often associated with the sun god Ra and the idea of rebirth or regeneration due to the dung beetle’s habit of rolling dung into balls and the subsequent emergence of its offspring from these balls, seemingly from the dead material.
The artwork depicted is a faience representation of a winged scarab, which was a common amulet type in Ancient Egypt. The brilliant blue color of the faience imitates lapis lazuli, a precious stone that was highly regarded by the Egyptians and often associated with the heavens. Central to this piece is the scarab itself, which is beautifully sculpted with a body divided into sections featuring pronounced lines and shapes, giving it an ornate and stylized appearance. This central beetle is flanked on both sides by outstretched wings, each carefully detailed with feather patterns that exhibit the careful artisanship of the piece. Holes can be seen on the lateral parts of the wings which indicates that the piece could have been attached to something, possibly as an ornament or ceremonial item.
The amulet showcases the blend of artistry and spirituality that characterized much of Egyptian art, as such amulets were thought to provide protective powers and were commonly placed on the mummy of a deceased individual to ensure their safe passage into the afterlife. It is both a work of art and an artifact of great cultural and religious significance.