Object: Amulet

The ancient Egyptians linked scarab beetles with ideas about rebirth and new life. This is an amulet (charm) in the shape of a scarab with wings, found inside the bandages of a mummified person. The holes were made so that the different pieces could be wired together. The Egyptians thought that this amulet would protect the dead person and help them with their journey to the Afterlife. It was made in a mould from a material called faience. This contains quartz that, when heated at a high temperature, turns blue or green and looks like it’s been glazed.