Egyptian Falcon-Headed Lapis Lazuli Scaraboid
Late Period, 664-525 B.C. Naturalistic detailing to the underside with pierced lug for attachment; detailed clypeus on upper side, modelled with a falcon head. Cf. Ben-Tor, D., The Scarab: A Reflection of Ancient Egypt, Jerusalem, 1989, p.39, for discussion, p.78, nos. 16-17, for lapis lazuli examples; Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, item 59(c).2.73 grams, 17 mm (5/8 in.). From an early 20th century collection, Home Counties, UK, 1930-1940s. Funerary scarabs with falcon heads such as this were placed within the wrappings of the mummy on various parts of the body. They undoubtedly served a protective role, perhaps with solar connotations of rebirth (suggested by the falcon head) but, unlike heart scarabs, their precise function is not known.