Egyptian shist scarab and gold finger ring
The ring is formed from a dark green composition scarab as bezel and a gold foil folded around its body. A twisted gold wire is wound around one end of the shank, passes through the scarab's pierced length and is wound around the opposite end of the shank to provide the swivelling mechanism. The stylized scarab is set in an ancient gold mount. No hieroglyph inscriptions on the underside
Note
Although such inscribed scarab rings were intended to function as a seal, the form was already being superceded by the solid metal signet. However, it could also be worn as a purely amuletic finger ring since the scarab shape was a potent amulet in its own right.
Period
New Kingsdom, 1295-1070 B.C.
Dimension
H.
2.4 cm (0 15⁄16 in)
W.
2.2 cm (0 55⁄64 in)
Private collection, Switzerland, acquired in 1973, thence by descent
