An Egyptian revival gold and steatite scarab necklace,
20
An Egyptian revival gold and steatite scarab necklace, circa 1920
The large steatite scarab , from the late period, circa 640 BC, within a gold lotus-of-Nineveh motif border, suspended from a gold fancy-link chain of similar design, pendant length 7.0cm, necklace length 54.0cm, fitted case by Bigelow, Kennard & Co. of Boston
Sold for £7,500 inc. premium

Footnotes

  • The scarab beetle was a device used by the Ancient Egyptians in funerary charms. Representing the solar god Khepri, it was symbolic of creation and rebirth and was worn over the heart of the mummy.

    This necklace is accompanied by a letter, dated 22nd June 1922, describing how Charles Hall, US Consul to Egypt in the late 19th century, was presented with the mummy of Pharoah Amenhotep II as a gift soon after its discovery by Victor Loret in 1898. The mummy was stored in the eaves of his home and when re-discovered by his family several years later, its wrappings had deteriorated to such a degree that three scarabs, including this one, and some carvings were revealed. This scarab was made into a necklace by a family member.

Category: Jewellery

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