Amulets in the form of scarab beetles had a variety of functions in ancient Egypt. Large scarabs with separate wings, like this one, were made for use in a funerary context. They were placed on the body, and their purpose was to ensure that the heart of the dead did not give evidence against them when it was weighed in judgement by the god Osiris. The wings of the amulet are pierced with holes so that it could be stitched to the mummy wrappings.

Provenance: Unknown

Location: Treasury, Gallery 3