A fine Ancient Egyptian steatite scarab amulet featuring a hieroglyphic inscription on the base. The anatomical details of the scarab are delicately rendered, with an incised clypeus, prothorax, and a linear incision indicating the wing cases on the elytra. On the side of the scarab, encircling incisions represent the legs. The flat reverse features a winged uraeus on the left with an ankh sign between the open wings, and a scarab beetle to the right, above a sun disc. The piece is pierced horizontally for suspension. The amulet features earthy encrustations and some wear consistent with age. A chip to the incised reverse. The Egyptians wore amulets alongside other pieces of jewellery. They were decorative, but also served a practical purpose, being considered to bestow power and protection upon the wearer. Many of the amulets have been found inside the wrappings of mummies, as they were used to prepare the deceased for the afterlife. 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 1.4cm x W 1.0cm x H 0.7cm Provenance: Ex Mustaki Collection, early 20th century, UK.