The Sacred Power of the Scarab: Tutankhamun’s Stunning Pectoral Amulet

Among the treasures of ancient Egypt, few artifacts capture the imagination quite like the Scarab Pectoral of Tutankhamun. A masterpiece of artistry and symbolism, this pectoral was discovered in the young Pharaoh's tomb (KV62) by Howard Carter in 1922, and it remains one of the most iconic examples of ancient Egyptian jewelry.

At the heart of the pectoral is the sacred scarab beetle, a powerful symbol of rebirth, transformation, and protection in Egyptian mythology. The scarab represents the god Khepri, who was believed to roll the sun across the sky each day, much like the beetle rolls its ball of dung. In this pectoral, the scarab is carved from a rare and mysterious material—yellow-green desert glass—formed over 28 million years ago from a meteor impact in the Libyan Desert. This choice of material only adds to the talismanic power of the piece.

The scarab is flanked by two figures—likely representations of protective goddesses or personifications of the horizons—kneeling with outstretched arms to cradle the beetle. Their blue-tinted skin, vibrant clothing, and detailed headdresses are executed with exquisite craftsmanship, using materials such as gold, carnelian, turquoise, lapis lazuli, and colored glass.

On either side, cartouches contain the throne name and birth name of Tutankhamun, ensuring that the king’s identity would be preserved for eternity. The hieroglyphs and the scarab work together as a protective charm meant to aid the Pharaoh in his journey through the afterlife, ensuring regeneration and eternal life.

The Scarab Pectoral of Tutankhamun is not merely decorative—it is a magical object designed to link the wearer with divine powers. The scarab's association with both earthly cycles and celestial realms makes it a profound emblem of the Egyptian belief in life after death. Our reproduction with lapis is a beautiful way to connect to ancient Egyptian symbolism.


Egyptian Scarab Pectoral Brooch


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