Perhaps no single object better embodies the
mystery and magic of ancient Egypt than the
scarab. Representing the sacred desert beetle,
scarabs were used by king and commoner alike
as amulets of good fortune and prosperity.
Certain scarabs also functioned as personal seals
which designated the property and authority of
the person whose name appears on them. An
emblem of Kephera, the creator, the scarab was
worshiped from the earliest period of civilization
in Egypt. In addition to its aura of luck, the
scarab represented eternal life and resurrection.
The ancient Egyptians frequently wore the scarab
as jewelry, especially in rings, bracelets and
necklaces. This splendid example is carved in
amethyst, a gem much favored by the nobility.
Its pale lavender color evokes dawn in the
Egyptian desert. To wear a scarab today is to link
us with Egypt at the height of her grandeur. It
also invites the accumulated good fortune of
centuries to smile upon us, as it did upon its
ancient owner.
- (FJ.4856)
|
