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Scarab
Several species of the dung beetles, most notably Scarabaeus sacer (often referred to as "scarab"), enjoyed a sacred status among the ancient Egyptians, as the creatures were likened to the god Khepri. Some scholars suggest that the people's practice of making mummies was inspired by the brooding process of the beetle.
Many thousands of amulets and stamp seals have been excavated that depict the scarab. In many artifacts, the scarab is depicted pushing the sun along its course in the sky. During and following the New Kingdom, scarab amulets were often placed over the heart of the mummified deceased. The amulets were often inscribed with a spell from the Book of the Dead which entreated the heart, "Do not stand as a witness against me."
The scarab was an amulet of life and power, with the shape of a dung bettle(scarabaeus sacer), that represented the rising sun, and was symbol of resurrection in egyptian mythology.
In life it proportioned protection against evil, visible or invisible, giving daily strenght and power. In death, the one who carried it adquiered the posibility of resuscitating and reaching eternal life.
The scarabs were carved in many materials: basalt, granite, and precious stones as the lapis lazuli, amethyst, coral, and even in gold.
It wasvery used during the Second Middle Period (Hicsos) and the XVIII dinasty, giving Thutmose III the use of royal stamp.
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