SCARABS. Ancient Egypt. 2nd Intermediate Period. 1650-1550 BCE. Steatite. (16x12 mm). Back very nicely carved wings and raised on its legs. Base engraved with the “Nile river”, to unify upper and lower Egypt. The upper portion is carved with a sun and pyramid. The sun represents the supreme sun God “RA”, known as a man with falcon head crowned with solar disc and the sacred serpent. The pyramid represents the primordial mound from which the ancient Egyptians believed the earth was created. Carved below, are the temple and the pillar of “OSIRIS”, originally a vegetation God, he was murdered by his brother “SETH”, then brought to life as the ruler of the underworld and judge of the dead. He was the God of the dead and resurrection. Below the temple (SHRINE OF OSIRIS), a crocodile symbolizes God “SOBEK”, the crocodile God, depicted as a man crocodile head, wearing sun disc, feathers and horns headdress. Very rare. Much glaze remains. Pierced for mounting. From the Joseph A. Dow Collection; Ex Classical Numismatic Group 345 lot 741 (part of).