Amethyst Scarab Bracelet of Tutankhamun
This masterpiece amethyst scarab bracelet associated with Tutankhamun was found in a beautiful cartouche shaped box with other fine pieces of jewelry. The main element in the design is the light violet amethyst scarab with details, as is common with scarabs of this hard stone, which was considered a precious gemstone in ancient Egypt.
It is in an oval setting decorated with gold granules arranged in a pattern of small triangles. It is framed by gold and stones beads ending with two uraei cobras, symbol of royalty. The strap of the bracelet consists of four strings of beads of gold, carnelian, lapis lazuli and jasper in the form of tiny eyes of Horus and scarabs.
Amethyst was highly valued for its vibrant purple color and was associated with royalty, spirituality, and protection. Amethyst was believed to have protective properties against negative energies and was often used in jewelry, amulets, and ceremonial objects.
Scarab bracelets held significant cultural and religious symbolism in ancient Egypt. These bracelets typically featured a scarab beetle motif, either carved from a precious stone like amethyst or molded from materials like faience or glazed pottery.
The scarab beetle held great significance in Egyptian mythology and was associated with rebirth and protection. The bracelet is a notable example of the intricate craftsmanship and symbolism of ancient Egyptian jewelry.
Scarab bracelets were often worn as amulets or talismans to bring good luck, ward off evil, and ensure a successful journey into the afterlife.
The scarab beetle was often depicted with its wings spread, symbolizing transformation and rebirth. Some scarab bracelets also incorporated other symbols and hieroglyphs associated with protection and divine blessings.
The ancient Egyptians adopted the scarab (Ateuchus sacer) as a symbol of the sun god, because they were familiar with the sight of the beetle rolling a ball of dung on the ground and this action suggested to them that the invisible power that rolled the sun daily across the sky could be represented pictorially as a scarab.
In the ancient Egyptian language the words for the scarab and for existence were identical (kheper). The name of the sun god, on his first appearance every morning, was Khepri. In hieroglyphs the scarab sign was used for all three words.
Scarab bracelets were popular among both men and women in ancient Egypt and were worn as everyday jewelry or as part of ceremonial attire. They were considered a powerful symbol of life, eternity, and the divine connection between the wearer and the gods.
The use of amethyst in ancient Egypt extended beyond jewelry and adornments. It was also used in carved statues, amulets, and seals. The stone was highly prized and was often reserved for the elite and kings. Its deep purple color was seen as a symbol of power, spirituality, and divine connection.
From the Tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62), Valley of the Kings, West Thebes. Now in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo. JE 62380
