Ancient Egyptian Authentic Funerary Scarab Bead // Museum Display

This jaw-dropping collection from RARE-T features a staggering array of authentic antiques, artifacts, oddities, skulls, and cruelty-free taxidermy from various eras in history.

This custom museum display showcases an authentic Glazed Steatite Funerary Scarab Bead dating from 664-332 BC, part of the Late Period Dynasty. Symbolizing self-creation or rebirth, funerary scarabs are relatively small scarabs (typically 2 cm to 3 cm long) made from a wide variety of hardstones and faience and are distinguished from other scarabs by having naturalistic, carved "3D" bases, which often also include an integral suspension loop running widthways.

They formed part of the battery of amulet beadwork pattern and served to protect the mummy through their magical properties in the Late Period. When a person died and went to their final judgment, the gods of the underworld would ask many detailed and intricate questions which had to be answered precisely and ritually, according to "The Egyptian Book of the Dead."

Since many people of those days were illiterate, priests would read the questions and their appropriate answers to the beetle, which would then be killed, mummified, and placed in the ear of the deceased. When the gods then asked their questions, the ghostly scarab would whisper the correct answer into the ear of the supplicant, who could then answer the gods wisely and correctly. Protected under plexiglass in a custom display to keep it looking pristine, ensuring protection of your investment while allowing you to fully appreciate this piece of collectible ancient history. The customized descriptive metallic plaque, in addition to the detailed finishing add to the elegant, gallery quality look. Complete with a certificate of authenticity, this piece is an investment that will only get better with age.