Curator

  • Art Institute Chicago
  • Harvard art museum
  • My Exhibition
A work made of faience.

Winged Scarab Amulet

Late Period, Dynasty 26 (664–525 BCE)

Egyptian

Egypt

A scarab amulet was often placed over the heart of a mummy to act as its protector. The wings allowed the scarab to join the daily rising and setting of the sun, a cycle that was equated with eternal death and rebirth.

Faience

Arts of Africa