Scarab Paperweight. Hieroglyphics. Handmade. Steatite. Egypt.
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A scarab is a dung beetle. In Egypt, it is part of its ancient religion. The beetle was associated with the divine manifestation of the early morning sun.
Likenesses of the beetle were frequently made of steatite (talc within a rock – think soapstone). Heiroglyphics were inscribed as well as other designs. They were use as ornaments (amulets) and – 3500 years ago – were placed in the bandages of mummies and symbolically identified with the heart organ of the deceased. Cool.
This scarab was hand made in Egypt by an artisan whose family has carved such amulets for generations. I am not sure how he would feel about promoting it as a “paperweight”.
You can purchase these almost anywhere but not with the profile of this one.
Stand not included.
This piece has been sold. Many Thanks M.H.!