Beschreibung:

EGYPTIAN SPECKLED DIORITE FUNERARY SCARAB LATE PERIOD, 664-525 B.C. 1 in. (7.59 grams, 25 mm). Detailing to the carapace and clypeus, pierced lug to the underside of the prothorax. PROVENANCE: 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. LITERATURE: 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. FOOTNOTES: 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. CONDITION