A fine Ancient Egyptian steatite scarab featuring a decoratively engraved base. The convex obverse of the scarab features incised anatomical detail, including the head, eyes and clypeus. Two incisions at the shoulders indicate the prothorax and horizontal grooves in the sides indicate the legs. The flat base features two outwards-facing 'three hills' signs, enclosing a water ripple sign in the middle. The design is encircled by a hatched band of short vertical incisions. The amulet was perforated horizontally for suspension, though this is now filled. Hairline cracks, wear and earthy encrustations across the surface and to the edges. The scarab beetle was an exceedingly popular symbol in the art of Ancient Egypt, thought to represent the sun god, Ra. Ancient Egyptians believed that the scarab beetle rolling its ball of dung across the desert mirrored the journey of the sun across the sky from day to night. As the beetle laid its eggs within the dung, it became a symbol of rebirth and regeneration. Measurements: L 1.3cm x W 1cm x H 0.7cm Provenance: Ex Mustaki Collection, early 20th century, UK.