Egyptian Speckled Diorite Funerary Scarab
Late Period, 664-525 B.C. Detailing to the carapace and clypeus, pierced lug to the underside of the prothorax. Cf. Ben-Tor, D., The Scarab: A Reflection of Ancient Egypt, Jerusalem, 1989, p.39, for discussion, p.77, nos. 13-15, for diorite examples.7.59 grams, 25 mm (1 in.). From an early 20th century collection, Home Counties, UK, 1930-1940s.This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.202894. Funerary scarabs such as this were placed within the wrappings of the mummy on various parts of the body. They undoubtedly served a protective role but, unlike heart scarabs, their precise function is not known.