Egyptian Carnelian Heart Scarab, New Kingdom-Late Period, 1550-332 B.C. A finely carved carnelian heart scarab (Scarabaeus sacer) modelled naturalistically in the round with anatomical detailing to the carapace, head, legs and underside of the body; slightly domed profile; drilled laterally to the underside of the body for suspension. Cf. The Johns Hopkins Archaeological Museum, accession number 3791, for a similar scarab dated to the Late Period. 3.07 grams, 19 mm (3/4 in.). From an early 20th century Home Counties collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.114474-196152. The Egyptians saw the scarab as a symbol of renewal and rebirth. The beetle was associated with the sun god because scarabs roll large balls of dung in which to lay their eggs, a behavior that the Egyptians thought resembled the progression of the sun through the sky from east to west. Scarab amulets were used for their magical rejuvenating properties by both the living and the dead. The regenerative powers of scarabs such as the one offered here could be used by either the living or the dead for healing and protection. The striking red/orange colour of the carnelian stone used to produce this amulet strengthens its solar associations. [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions Website]