Tutankhamun Scarab Necklace
Gold inlay necklace and pendant with scarab from the Tomb of Tutankhamun. A flexible pectoral with suspension chains and counterpoise clasp.
This necklace with pectoral of the rising sun on the horizon is one of the finest of the many pectorals found in king Tut’s treasures. It has a large lapis lazuli scarab in the center, flanked by two uraei, or rearing cobras. The scarab, standing on a solar boat, is pushing a carnelian disk which represents the rising sun and is flanked by symbols of stability, long life, and beauty. An elaborate chain consists of uraei and scarabs on Heb, or festival, signs.
Each strap has a bead border on either side, and the plaques are attached by means of four strand bead-work at back passed through fixed eyelets on the plaques.
“The straps terminate with curved gold elements carrying cloissonné vultures, the embodiment of Nekhbet, protective goddess of the king as ruler of Upper Egypt.” — Tutankhamun, by T.G.H. James, White Star Publishers, 2022
New Kingdom, late 18th Dynasty, reign of Tutankhamun, ca. 1332-1323 BC. Gold, carnelian, lapis lazuli, turquoise and feldspar. Length of straps 50 cm (19.6 inches), width of pectoral 11.8 cm (4.64 inches). Now in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo. JE 61896
